Canada says Saudi explanation of journo's death not credible

TEHRAN (defapress)– Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister slammed on Saturday the murder of the Saudi critic journalist confirmed by the Saudis in its consulate in Istanbul, saying the Saudi explanation 'lacks credibility'.

News ID: 73194

Date: 21 October 2018 - 12:45

In a statement, Chrystia Freeland offered her condolences to Jamal Khashoogi's fiancé, Hatice Cengiz, his family and friends, saying Khashoggi tragedy is a painful incident.

'We reiterate our call for a thorough investigation, in full collaboration with the Turkish authorities, and a full and rigorous accounting of the circumstances surrounding Mr Khashoggi's death,' the statement read.

She went on to say, those behind the journalist's murder 'must be held to account and must face justice'.

The 59-year-old Saudi investigative journalist vanished on October second after entering the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul to collect documents for his forthcoming marriage.

After 18 days of silence and rejecting claims that Khashoggi was killed, the Saudi government finally bowed down to international pressure and admitted the prominent journalist was killed inside Istanbul consulate.

Following the confession, the Saudi king, Salman bin Abdulaziz removed, in separate orders, some top officials including Saud al-Qahtani, royal court advisor who is a close aide to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Ahmed al-Asiri, Saudi Arabia's deputy intelligence chief who was formerly the Saudi-led coalition spokesman, Major General Abdullah bin Khalifa Al-Shaya, Assistant Chief of General Intelligence for Human Resources and General Rashad Bin Hamed Al Mohammadi, the Director of the General Directorate of Security and Protection at the General Intelligence.

In the same vein, 18 Saudi citizens have been detained.

Saudi Public Prosecutor's Office announced those involved in murdering Khashoogi will be taken to court.

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