Saudi journalist killed and hacked inside Saudi embassy in Istanbul

[Angrboda]

Saudi Arabia, in latest reversal, says Khashoggi’s killing was premeditated

ISTANBUL — Saudi Arabia’s public prosecutor said Thursday that Jamal Khashoggi was killed in a planned operation, citing information received from Turkish investigators in Istanbul, according to a statement from the kingdom’s Foreign Ministry.

It is the latest reversal by Saudi authorities, who last week said Khashoggi was killed accidentally in a fistfight at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul by “rogue” agents. President Trump had initially said that explanation was credible but in recent days expressed doubts, calling it “the worst coverup ever.”

According to the statement, a joint Saudi-Turkish investigative team “indicates that the suspects in the incident had committed their act with a premeditated intention.”

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In another sign that the kingdom is seeking to contain the widespread fallout, Salah Khashoggi, the eldest son of Jamal Khashoggi, has left Saudi Arabia, two people close to the family said Thursday. The son, a dual U.S.-Saudi citizen who was photographed receiving condolences from Salman and Mohammed on Tuesday, previously had been restricted from leaving.

Salah Khashoggi is headed to the United States to join his three siblings, who are already there, according to one of the people.