Saudis Admit Khashoggi Died Inside Turkish Consulate

By Jeralyn, Section Foreign Affairs
Posted on Sat Oct 20, 2018 at 03:26:19 PM EST
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Saudi Arabia has issued a statement acknowledging that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died inside the Turkish consulate. But they claim he died as the result of a fist-fight.

"An argument erupted between him [Khashoggi] and others whom he met in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul leading to a fist fight which led to his death," SPA reported.

"The investigations are still under way and 18 Saudi nationals have been arrested," a statement from the Saudi public prosecutor said, adding royal court adviser Saud al-Qahtani and deputy intelligence chief Ahmed al-Asiri were fired from their positions.

Here is the actual Saudi press release. The Saudis are firmly standing behind the Crown Prince. Here is a statement today from the Saudi Minister of Justice: [More...]

He stressed that the judicial institution, in the Kingdom, was founded on the principles of Islamic laws and values of justice, upon which this blessed country was built, bearing in mind the application of the provisions of the Shariah, which enjoins administration of justice and realization of the right and the establishment of the values of justice.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH Crown Prince are the principal supporters of the judicial institution, to stand in the face of anyone who wanted to harm the country or harm the rights of citizens, whomsoever he might be, he added.

He stressed that the judiciary, in the Kingdom, enjoys full independence to deal with the issue that has occurred on the land, that falls within the sovereignty of the Kingdom, pointing out that the issue will take its regular course, in the Kingdom, and will reach the judiciary, after the completion of the prosecution requirements.

Also today, the Saudi News Agency announced that the Crown Prince will be heading up a new task force to restructure the intelligence agency. As a result, the statement says:

"These orders and measures unequivocally reaffirm that the protection of human rights, in accordance with the provisions of Islamic law and regulations, is one of the most important priorities of the state, he said, adding that the judiciary will have the final say, in achieving justice and bringing those involved to a fair trial." Offering deepest condolences to the family of the deceased - may God have mercy on him - he prayed to the Lord to inspire the family with patience and solace.

The statements I've seen do not address the audio tapes and reported allegations that Khashoggi was cut into pieces and his body destroyed. What do the Saudis think happened to his body after he died following a "fist fight"?

< Caravan: Thousands of Migrants Cross Into Mexico | Trump: Believes Saudis Lied But Still Supports Crown Prince >

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Saudis Admit Khashoggi Died Inside Turkish Consulate | 7 comments (7 topical)

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Their (5.00 / 2) (#1)
by Ga6thDem on Sat Oct 20, 2018 at 06:32:56 PM EST

statement is beyond ridiculous.

Agreed (none / 0) (#2)
by jmacWA on Sun Oct 21, 2018 at 05:22:24 AM EST

Showing the intact body might help their credibility, but based on the more likely scenario it seems like all the kings horses and men have quite a job ahead of them


I was just watching Newt (none / 0) (#3)
by CaptHowdy on Sun Oct 21, 2018 at 08:30:32 AM EST

Explaining that what Pompeo and others are doing is trying to convince the Saudis they need to lie better.

His only problem with the story was that it was a bad lie and they need a better one or it will damage their credibility.

A difficult case to make I would think when your boss tells outrageously stupid and transparent lies every time he opens his mouth.


Lying (5.00 / 1) (#4)
by FlJoe on Sun Oct 21, 2018 at 08:41:25 AM EST

has become the central tenet of the Republican ethos.


: please stay on topic (none / 0) (#7)
by Jeralyn on Sun Oct 21, 2018 at 05:30:19 PM EST

thanks.

Of all the iterations, I (none / 0) (#5)
by KeysDan on Sun Oct 21, 2018 at 10:56:02 AM EST

like the one that has Khashoggi leaving the consulate, in tact, exiting a rear door. He is then safely on his way. Perhaps, it was explaining the part of his then walking past his fiance, who was waiting for him outside, that resulted in an another attempt.

Trump believes the latest one, where the 60 year old Khashoogi walked into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul for his marriage documents and started a fight (by hand) with 15 young and burly Saudi men who had just flown in from Riyadh to greet him. One of whom was an autopsy expert (who brought along his favorite autopsy play list) and another had a bone saw. No word on what started the fisticuffs, but maybe Khashoogi was critical of the very recent paint job in the consulate.

The latest is that Khashoogi was killed in a chokehold, and was rolled up in a rug and given to a local cooperator for disposal. A member of the team dressed up in Khashoogi's clothes to make it appear that he left the Consulate. This otherwise very credible story suffers from the flaw of an earlier rendition---bypassing his girl friend waiting outside. Although, in fairness, she may not have recognized him.

: Hey (none / 0) (#6)
by CaptHowdy on Sun Oct 21, 2018 at 11:26:00 AM EST

It worked for that guy selling cigarettes