The killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was planned days in advance, according to Turkey’s president.
Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country had strong evidence Khashoggi was killed in a premeditated and “savage” murder at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2nd.
He also called for the suspects to be tried in Istanbul.
He demanded Saudi Arabia provide answers about where Khashoggi’s body was, and who had ordered the operation.
His speech comes amid claims parts of the writer’s body including his disfigured face have been found in the grounds of the Saudi consul general’s home in Istanbul, with separate reports saying the remains were found down a well at the property.
This afternoon, Turkish police found three suitcases, a laptop and clothes possibly belonging to Khashoggi in a Saudi diplomatic car which was abandoned in an underground car park in the city.
The Saudi kingdom has provided conflicting accounts of what happened to Khashoggi, a US resident and Washington Post contributor.
After weeks of lying that he was still alive, authorities now admit the 59-year-old was killed inside the Saudi consulate.
Erdogan’s address coincided with the start of an investment conference in Saudi Arabia that has been overshadowed by the Khashoggi case.
Dozens of government and business leaders have pulled out, but Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman appeared at the event today, taking selfies with guests.
Khashoggi’s son glared at the Saudi royal blamed for his father’s death during a meeting in Riyadh today.
Salah bin Jamal Khashoggi shared a stern handshake with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the powerful heir to Saudi Arabia’s throne, at the city’s Yamama Palace.
King Salman was also present as the royals “offered their condolences” to grieving family members, who included Salah’s brother Sahel.
A friend of the Khashoggi family has told The Associated Press that Salah has been under a travel ban since last year.
As the de facto ruler of the kingdom, the Crown Prince has been widely blamed for the death, which was carried out by a hit squad of senior Saudi intelligence officials.
Critics suspect he ordered the high-profile operation or at least knew about it.