Saudi writer’s killing planned, punish guilty, says Erdogan

Ankara, October 23

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday said the “savage murder” of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul was meticulously planned, demanding that all those linked to the killing face punishment.

Erdogan had promised that his speech in Ankara would give the “naked truth” about the killing and he gave a host of new details while still saying Turkey wanted answers to key questions, including who gave the orders.

Hours before Erdogan delivered his speech to ruling party lawmakers, a major Saudi investment forum opened in Riyadh under the heavy shadow of the murder after key delegates pulled out.

The murder of the Washington Post contributor has severely dented the international reputation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who has spearheaded a reform drive in the kingdom.

With international pressure mounting, Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet on Tuesday said it would hold accountable all those behind the murder “no matter who they may be”. “Measures have been taken by the kingdom to uncover the truth and hold accountable all those whose incompetence or immediate responsibility” was behind the killing “no matter who they may be”, read a statement.

Erdogan outlined the steps taken by what he said was a 15-person team who came from Riyadh planning to kill Khashoggi, including carrying out reconnaissance outside Istanbul and then deactivating security cameras at the consulate. Three operatives arrived in Istanbul the day before Khashoggi’s killing on an apparent reconnaissance mission. The next day 15 people came to the consulate, including security, intelligence and forensic experts. Consulate personnel were given the day off.

He said 18 suspects already detained by Saudi Arabia should be extradited to Istanbul to face trial over the killing and called for an investigation into those who have “even the slightest link” to the “savage murder”.

But Erdogan did not confirm or even mention some of the most striking claims that appeared in the Turkish press over the last days. The president admitted several questions remain unanswered.

“These people, from whom did they get orders and came there? We are seeking answers,” he asked.

Erdogan did not mention Prince Mohammed by name but said he was confident of the full cooperation of his father Saudi King Salman in the probe and vowed full retribution for all the guilty.

“The conscience of humanity will only be satisfied when those who ordered (the murder) and those who carried it out answer for their actions.” He said no Saudi linked to the murder should enjoy diplomatic immunity as set out by the Vienna Convention.

Later, the King and Crown Prince met Khashoggi’s  son Salah and brother Sahel at the royal palace in Riyadh and offered condolences.

A former royal family insider-turned-critic of the Crown Prince, Khashoggi (59) disappeared after he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 to collect a document for his upcoming marriage. — Agencies

‘A vicious murder’

"The findings and evidence so far show Khashoggi was the victim of a vicious murder. Covering up a savage murder like this will only hurt the human conscience." Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey President

A plot gone awry: Trump

Washington: US President Donald Trump said he believes the death of Jamal Khashoggi was the result of a “plot gone awry”, but does not want to scrap the $110 billion mega arms deal with Riyadh over the issue. “I am not satisfied with what I’e heard,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “I don’t want to lose all that investment that’s been made in our country. But we’re going to get to the bottom of it.”

Crown Prince attends summit amid ‘crisis’

Riyadh: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday attended an investment summit, nicknamed ‘Davos in the desert’, boycotted by a host of global business leaders amid a ‘crisis’ over journalist’s murder. Saudi organisers, however, sought to portray business as usual at Future Investment Initiative forum, announcing 12 ‘mega deals’ worth $50 billion in oil, gas, infrastructure and other sectors