Saudi Arabia officials plotted the torture and murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in their Istanbul consulate for days before committing the act, Turkey’s president said Tuesday.
Recep Tayyip Erdoğan demanded the Islamic kingdom reveal the identities of all involved, regardless of rank, and make them available for trial in the Turkish judicial system.
“To blame such an incident on a handful of security and intelligence members would not satisfy us or the international community,” Erdogan said in a speech before Turkey’s parliament.
“Saudi Arabia has taken an important step by admitting the murder. As of now we expect of them to openly bring to light those responsible — from the highest ranked to the lowest — and to bring them to justice,” Mr Erdogan continued.
Mr. Erdogan kept pressure on the kingdom by calling out the execution of the Washington Post columnist.
Turkish officials suspect Khashoggi was killed and dismembered inside the consulate by Saudi agents. Turkish sources say authorities have an audio recording purportedly documenting the killing of the 59-year-old.
“All evidence gathered shows that Jamal Khashoggi was the victim of a savage murder. To cover up such a savagery would hurt the human conscience,” he said.
Mr. Erdogan ignored Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in his speech, though officials linked to the royal have been implicated in the killing. The kingdom has said the heir-apparent of the world’s top oil exporter was not involved, but any major decision must be signed off by the highest powers within its ruling Al Saud family.
Tuesday’s public accusation by Erdogan is the second time in the space of a week he has lashed out at Saudi Arabia over the incident.
Seven days ago he accused the government of Saudi Arabia of “painting over … toxic materials” at the Istanbul consulate to conceal the crime.
“My hope is that we can reach conclusions that will give us a reasonable opinion as soon as possible,” the president reportedly stated, speaking at an event recognizing the appointment of new judges and prosecutors in Ankara.
Khashoggi’s family have already called for an independent international investigation, expressing distrust of the Saudi government and stating that they are “traumatized” by his disappearance.
“The strong moral and legal responsibility which our father instilled in us obliges us to call for the establishment of an independent and impartial international commission to inquire into the circumstances of his death,” his family said in a statement.
AP contributed to this report
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