As Khashoggi slaying case evolves, so does Saudi story
A few countries are proclaiming strong support for Saudi Arabia, while others bide their time as the investigation unfolds.
CAIRO — The death of Saudi journalist and Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul has opened a Pandora’s box of perspectives. Criticism is raining down on Saudi Arabia from much of the world, while many Arab states support the kingdom, and Egypt tries to walk a tightrope of neutrality.
On Oct. 24, the Saudi public prosecutor said it appears the journalist's death was "premeditated." He said this position — which contradicted Saudi Arabia's earlier, shifting statements, but surprised few observers — is based on information from Turkey. Also on Oct. 24, The Washington Post reported that CIA Director Gina Haspel had traveled to Turkey and heard a recording of Khashoggi being tortured and dismembered inside the Saudi Consulate there. The newspaper cited "people familiar with her [Haspel's] meetings."
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had on Oct. 23 told members of his Justice and Development Party that Khashoggi’s death was planned and that Turkey has strong evidence he was killed “in a savage way.” Erdogan called on Saudi Arabia to reveal the whereabouts of Khashoggi’s body and the person who ordered his killing.
The kingdom had insisted for 18 days that he was not murdered, and that he had left the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul alive Oct. 2. On Oct. 20, Saudi Arabia officially stated Khashoggi had died in a “brawl” inside the consulate. Then came the news on Oct. 24 that the Saudi public prosecutor agreed with Turkey that the journalist's death appeared premeditated.
