BREAKING NEWS: CIA concludes Saudi Crown Prince ordered Jamal Khashoggi’s assassination. 11/16
UPDATE: Saudi Arabia has admitted missing journalist, Jamal Khashoggi, is dead. 10/19
If you haven’t heard the name Jamal Khashoggi, then you must have been hiding under a rock. International news have been abuzzed over his disappearance, which happened 14 days ago.
Despite being a native of Saudi Arabia, Khashoggi was living in the United States as a resident. While in the United States he worked as a prominent journalist for the well-known and respected Washington Post.
He mysteriously disappeared after visiting the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Many people theorize his disappearance was plotted and arranged by Saudi Arabian leadership.
What is Known
Khashoggi used to be an insider in the Saudi Arabian government, but he eventually turned into a critic. Some have speculated Khashoggi’s constant criticism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (also known as MBS), and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud may have led to his disappearance and possible murder.
Khashoggi was last seen on October 2, 2018. He walked into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey to obtain paperwork to prove he was divorced so he could marry his fiancée, Hatice Cengiz. His fiancé waited outside. She states she never saw him leave the consulate, despite the fact, she was told he had left. A camera outside the consulate corroborates her claim. It captured him walking in, but he never re-emerged.
What is also suspicious about Jamal Khashoggi’s disappearance is the sudden arrival of about 15 Saudis to Turkey. They visited the consulate during the same time as Khashoggi’s arrival. Their quick departure from Turkey has been deemed suspicious. Some have dubbed these individuals as a “hit team” or ” hit squad”.
What Turkey Alleges
Turkey has been very outspoken against Khashoggi’s disappearance. Per CNN, a Turkish official has alleged Khashoggi was killed in the consulate and then dismembered by a Saudi hit team.
It has also been alleged that Turkish government has obtained audio and video of the murder.
The Saudi Arabian government denies these allegations.
Ramifications
If the Saudi Arabian government took part in the kidnapping and/or murder of Jamal Khashoggi, then ramifications from the West are sure to follow.
Britain, France, and Germany are calling for a “credible investigation”. While the United States has sent the Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, to meet with the Saudi King.
If the allegations are proven, then Saudi Arabia risks economic sanctions that might eventually take a toll on its economical stability.
If you would like to read Jamal Khashoggi articles on the Washington Post, please click here.
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