‘Assassin squad’ link to missing journalist
A TURKISH newspaper has published the names and photographs of 15 Saudi nationals who allegedly arrived in Istanbul on two private jets the day journalist Jamal Khashoggi went missing.
Turkish officials believe the Saudi writer and government critic was killed inside his country’s consulate in Istanbul after he visited the mission to obtain a document required to marry his Turkish fiancee.
Saudi Arabia has denied the allegations.
The newspaper, which is close to Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan, revealed the identities of what it called a “mysterious” 15-member “assassination squad” who were allegedly involved in Mr Khashoggi’s disappearance.
The paper printed pictures of 15 Saudi nationals that appeared to have been taken by security cameras during police control at an airport.
revealed the times the Saudi nationals arrived and left Istanbul. They checked into two hotels in Istanbul, the paper said.
Other images revealed a black van later travelling from the Saudi consulate to the consul’s home.
The release of the photographs and video raises pressure on Saudi Arabia a week after Mr Khashoggi disappeared.
Turkish officials fear that the team killed the writer, who was critical of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The kingdom has called the allegations “baseless,” but has not provided any evidence that Mr Khashoggi left the consulate.
Turkish officials also have yet to provide evidence that he was kidnapped or killed.