Saudi, Turkish prosecutors meet, discuss investigation

ISTANBUL» Top Saudi and Turkish prosecutors on Monday discussed the investigation into the killing of Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi, a show of cooperation amid Turkish demands that Saudi Arabia turn over 18 detained suspects for a murder trial.

Saudi Arabia’s top prosecutor, Saud alMojeb, met with Istanbul’s chief public prosecutor, Irfan Fidan, for an hour and 15 minutes at Istanbul’s main courthouse, Turkey’s staterun Anadolu news agency said.

The two countries have announced a joint investigation of the journalist’s killing in Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Istanbul, although Turkey has leaked evidence to the media in an apparent effort to pressure its regional rival over the crime committed by Saudi officials.

Turkey alleges a hit squad from Saudi Arabia traveled to Istanbul to kill the journalist who was critical of the Saudi leadership and then tried to cover it up.

Under mounting international pressure, Saudi Arabia has changed its narrative about Khashoggi’s killing several times, only recently acknowledging that Turkish evidence shows it was premeditated.

Turkey says a trial in Turkey would be transparent, reflecting concerns about Saudi attempts to dodge responsibility for the killing.

Turkey’s foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, on Monday welcomed the cooperation between Turkish and Saudi investigators and said he hoped there would be no further delays.

“The investigation should be concluded as soon as possible,” Cavusoglu said. “The whole world is curious. All the truth should be revealed.”

Turkey has been pushing Saudi Arabia to help locate Khashoggi’s body, which has not been found.

Turkey is seeking the extradition of the Saudi suspects detained for the killing, which happened after Khashoggi entered the consulate on Oct. 2. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel alJubeir, however, says the kingdom will try the perpetrators and bring them to justice after the investigation is completed.