Khashoggi news
Jamal Khashoggi was a Saudi Arabian journalist and author who was a columnist for The Washington Post. He was a vocal critic of the Saudi government and its policies, particularly with regards to human rights and the treatment of women.
On October 2, 2018, Khashoggi entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, to obtain a document that would allow him to marry his Turkish fiancée. However, he never left the consulate, and his disappearance sparked widespread concern and outrage.
After a two-week investigation, Turkish authorities announced that Khashoggi had been murdered inside the consulate. The Saudi government initially denied any involvement, but later admitted that Khashoggi had been killed in a "rogue operation" gone wrong.
The investigation into Khashoggi's murder has been ongoing, and it has revealed a complex web of connections between the Saudi government, its intelligence agencies, and the individuals involved in the murder.
Here are some key developments in the Khashoggi case:
- Saudi Arabia's initial denial: The Saudi government initially denied any involvement in Khashoggi's disappearance, claiming that he had left the consulate alive.
- Turkish investigation: Turkish authorities launched an investigation into Khashoggi's disappearance, and on October 15, they announced that they had found evidence that he had been murdered inside the consulate.
- Saudi admission: On October 20, the Saudi government admitted that Khashoggi had been killed in a "rogue operation" gone wrong, and that 18 individuals had been arrested in connection with the murder.
- US response: The US government has been critical of the Saudi government's handling of the case, and has imposed sanctions on several individuals involved in the murder.
- International outcry: The Khashoggi case has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation around the world, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency from the Saudi government.
- Investigation findings: The investigation has revealed that a team of 15 Saudi agents, including several high-ranking officials, were sent to Istanbul to kill Khashoggi. The agents used a variety of methods, including a bone saw, to dismember Khashoggi's body.
- Trial and sentencing: In January 2020, a Saudi court sentenced five individuals to death and three others to prison terms for their roles in Khashoggi's murder. However, many have criticized the trial as being flawed and lacking transparency.
- US intelligence report: In February 2021, the US intelligence community released a report concluding that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had approved the operation to capture or kill Khashoggi.
The Khashoggi case has had significant implications for Saudi Arabia's relations with the international community, and has raised concerns about the country's human rights record and its treatment of journalists and critics.