Saudi Arabia admits Khashoggi died in consulate, fires two senior officials
Aziz El Yaakoubi 17 hrs ago
Saudi Arabia fires 5 officials, says Khashoggi killed in fight
00:19 - up next: "Saudis confirm death of Jamal Khashoggi"
Video by CNN
DUBAI — Saudi Arabia said on Saturday that Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi has died, and said it fired two senior officials over the incident that has provoked an international outcry and strained relations between Riyadh and the West.
A statement from the Saudi public prosecutor said a fight broke out between Khashoggi and people who met him in the consulate and led to his death.
"The investigations are still underway and 18 Saudi nationals have been arrested," the statement on state media said, adding that royal court adviser Saud al-Qahtani and deputy intelligence chief Ahmed Asiri have been fired from their positions.
Khashoggi, a critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, went missing after entering the consulate on Oct. 2 to obtain documents for his upcoming marriage.
Saturday's comments marked the first time since Khashoggi went missing that the Saudis admitted to his death. Turkish officials had said they believed he was killed in the building. Saudi Arabia had previously denied the allegations and said Khashoggi had left the building shortly after.
King Salman also ordered the formation of a ministerial committee headed by the crown prince to restructure the general intelligence agency, state media said.
Click for Full Text!
Poster Comment:
Slide show at source.