Admin l Saturday, October 27, 2018
ISTANBUL, Turkey – The authority in Saudi Arabia has turned down request by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that the 18 suspects implicated in the murder of Saudi Journalist, Jamal Khashoggi be extradited to Turkey for trial.
Instead, the authority has said the 18 suspects arrested will be tried in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Jamal Khashoggi was killed inside Saudi consulate in Instanbul, Turkey when he visited in October 2 to obtain documents to perfect his marriage to his fiancee, Hatice Cengiz.
Foreign Minister, Adel al-Jubeir, who spoke today said the 18 suspects will be prosecuted in Saudi Arabia, adding that international response since Khashoggi was murdered was overwhelming.
According to reports, Jamal Khashoggi was murdered with nerve agent and that his body was cut into pieces and evacuated. Saudi authority initially said Jamal Khashoggi exited the consulate through the back door. But a video later revealed that the authority used a Khashoggi look alike, that wore his clothes and exited through the back door. Khashoggi was killed in the consulate while his wife was waiting outside for him.
Although Saudi Arabia had acknowledged that Jamal Khashoggi died in the consulate, the explanation it gave that he died in fight has been described by Erdogan as childish. While President Donald Trump has decribed the incident as the worst official cover up in history.
Frence President, Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister have all called for a transparent investigation of the incident. But speaking during the week, Erdogan said Turkish investigators have more information surrounding the death of the journalist but that it will be revealed at the ideal time. He is yet to respond to what Saudi Arabia has said regarding the trial.
