Turkish cops at Saudi consulate

– Turkish police yesterday searched the Saudi consulate in Istanbul for the first time since journalist Jamal Khashoggi went missing, as US President Donald Trump floated the idea that “rogue killers” could be to blame for his disappearance.

Khashoggi, a Saudi national and US resident who became increasingly critical of powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, has not been seen since he walked into the Istanbul consulate to sort out marriage paperwork on October 2.

Turkish officials have said they believe he was killed – a claim Saudi Arabia has denied – with the controversy dealing a huge blow to the kingdom’s image and efforts by its youthful crown prince to showcase a reform drive.

Trump despatched Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to the kingdom for what the State Department described as “face to face meetings with the Saudi leadership” to find out what happened.

Until now, Riyadh has not allowed Turkish investigators to search the consulate – officially Saudi territory – with reports both sides were at odds over the conditions.

But late yesterday – after Turkish authorities placed high iron barriers in front of the consulate – Turkish police and prosecutors entered the premises. A Saudi delegation had entered the consulate an hour before the Turkish police arrived. –

Istanbul