Prosecutor: Khashoggi strangled after arrival

ISTANBUL — Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi was strangled as soon as he entered Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Istanbul, after which his body was dismembered and disposed of in a premeditated operation, Istanbul’s chief prosecutor said Wednesday.

Prosecutor Irfan Fidan cited evidence found as part of the ongoing investigation, according to Turkish state news agency Anadolu, but did not provide further details.

The statement by Fidan, who is leading the investigation into Khashoggi’s killing, is the first official confirmation by Turkey on how he died.

Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist and critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed on October 2 after entering the consulate to get the paperwork needed to marry his Turkish fiancee.

His remains have not been located. There is also no confirmation on who ordered the killing.

Fidan’s statement came as Saudi Attorney General Saud al-Mojeb ended a threeday visit to Istanbul in connection with the investigation.

“The talks have failed to yield a concrete result despite all our well-intentioned efforts to reveal the truth,” Fidan said of his discussions with al-Mojed, according to Anadolu.

He said he asked his Saudi counterpart three questions: Where is the body? Do you have any findings on the planning of Khashoggi’s killing? Who is the alleged local collaborator?