ERDOGAN: ONE OF KHASHOGGI’S KILLERS SAID ‘I KNOW HOW TO CUT’
ANKARA: One of the killers of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was heard saying “I know how to cut” on the audio of the killing that Turkey shared with the US and European officials, President Tayyip Erdogan has said. Erdogan also slammed Riyadh for its changing account of how Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and prominent critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. The journalist had gone there to collect documents for his forthcoming marriage. The case has caused global outrage and has damaged the standing of the 33-year-old crown prince, the de facto ruler. AGENCIES
Georgia’s first female president sworn in
TELAVI, GEORGIA: Georgia on Sunday swore in its first female president, Salome Zurabishvili, as opposition parties continue to denounce her election as fraudulent and demand snap parliamentary polls. The inauguration paved the way for a new constitution to come into force, transforming the country into a parliamentary republic with a ceremonial president.
At least 20 Afghan civilians killed in airstrike
ASADABAD: At least 20 Afghan civilians, including 12 children, were killed in an airstrike targeting a Taliban commander in Kunar province late on Friday. The strike, against Taliban commander Sharif Mawiya, was the latest in a series targeting insurgents. Several Taliban commanders have been killed this month by Afghan forces.
Pak hands death sentence to 15 ‘hardcore terrorists’
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on Sunday confirmed the death sentence of 15 “hardcore terrorists”, who were involved in killing civilians and abetting 2016 Christian Colony suicide attacks in Peshawar. Gen Bajwa “confirmed the death sentence awarded to 15 hardcore terrorists,” said a statement issued by the Interservices Public Relations.
Pak minister promises to help end ban on film Manto
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s information and broadcasting minister Fawad Chaudhry on Sunday assured help to director Nandita Das in lifting the ban on her film Manto. “I am trying to pursue importers to bring this movie to Pakistan. I hope someone will take the risk of showing a less commercial film to the viewers,” he tweeted. AGENCIES