In another reversal by Saudi authorities, Jamal Khashoggi's death is now admitted to be a "premeditated" act of murder, according to Saudi Arabia's public prosecutor Saudi bin Abdullah. The information Turkey has provided led to a statement from the kingdom's Foreign Ministry today that said the killing was a planned operation:
"Information has come from the Turkish side indicating that the suspects in the Khashoggi case embarked on their act with a premeditated intention."
Attorney General Shaikh Suood bin Abdullah Al Mo'jab said:
"The public prosecution received information from the Turkish side through the Joint Working Group between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Turkish Republic, indicating that the suspects in Khashoggi's case premeditated their crime."
At first Saudi Arabia denied Khashoggi was dead at all, as well as saying they had no part to play in his disappearance. Last week, they finally admitted to the death of Khashoggi in Saudi Arabia's Istanbul consulate. Then they said it was from a "fist fight". Then a "botched interrogation".
Yesterday, Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih "not a death, it's a murder":
"It's not a death, it's a murder. We admit it, we're dealing with it. As such, we will be transparent and show our allies and friends in the United States ... that the kingdom is as unhappy about what has happened as anybody else. In fact, we are more unhappy because it has tarnished the name of the kingdom."
The public prosecutor is agreeing with the Turkish evidence that's been provided in a joint investigation which "indicates that the suspects in the incident had committed their act with premeditated intention". The story that we've been told about a 15 member hit team is now accepted by the public prosecutor. They initially met and detained Khashoggi on the fateful day of October 2.
The hit squad has been detained for interrogation, according to a statement from the kingdom. At least, those who are still alive, since one has reportedly "died" in a suspicious car accident.
"The Public Prosecution continues its investigations with the accused in the light of what it has received and the results of its investigations to reach facts and complete the course of justice."
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman called the murder "repulsive" and a "heinous crime" yesterday. He also promised to punish anyone found responsible. Does that include himself? Turkey has alleged he was involved with the murder. He apparently called Khashoggi to demand his return to Saudi Arabia. When he refused, he was murdered. Officials are saying the prince must have known about the killing, even possibly having ordered the execution of the operation.
A committee met at a first meeting which "discussed a reform plan and is assessing the current situation", which Prince Muhammad bin Salman presided over. They say they will restructure the command of the general intelligence agency of Saudi Arabia. The kingdom has so far fired 5 intelligence officials and arrested 18 Saudi nationals.
Khashoggi's family was previously not allowed to leave Saudi Arabia. But that has changed. His son Salah and his family have had their travel ban lifted and are not out of Riyadh, on their way to the U.S. The U.S. has revoked the the visas of those arrested or fired for their part in the operation, or or their failure to stop it. The U.S., U.K. and France never suspended their lucrative arms sales to the Saudis, or imposed any sanctions.
Will we really know the depth of the involvement in this operation? Will the information provided by the 18 Saudis arersted be completely true and revealing? Or will they be silenced by ending up dead, or lie to create a cover story for the prince in order to keep their families safe?
References:
- Saudi Arabia Now Says Khashoggi Killing Was Premeditated
- Saudi Arabia Says Khashoggi Killing Was "Premeditated Act"
- Saudi Arabia, in latest reversal, says Khashoggi’s killing was premeditated
- Saudi Crown Prince presides over committee to restructure intelligence agency
- Suspect in Khashoggi Death Silenced in Suspicious Car Accident?
- Khashoggi 'Doubled' by Saudi Agent to Throw Off Investigation
- Khashoggi's Chopped-Up Body Parts Found in Saudi Consul General's Home Garden
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