Suspect in missing journalist case linked to powerful Saudi Crown Prince
(Baonghean.vn) - On October 16, The New York Times reported that a suspect identified by Türkiye in the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi is a close friend of the powerful Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman.
 Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Photo: AP |
In addition, according to the above newspaper, there are three other suspects related to Crown Prince Mohammed's security team. The fifth suspect is a senior forensic doctor.
Turkish government sources said police believe a team of 15 Saudi officials was sent to Istanbul to carry out a mission related to journalist Khashoggi.
The Times confirmed that at least nine of the 15 people worked for security agencies, the military or ministries in the Saudi Arabian government.
The Times said it had gathered additional information about the suspects through facial recognition software, a database of Saudi mobile phone numbers, leaked Saudi government documents, witnesses and media.
On the US side, on October 16, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo emphasized that Saudi Arabia's leaders have committed to ensuring accountability in the case of missing journalist Khashoggi, even though Riyadh denied any responsibility related to the journalist's disappearance.
In a statement, Mr. Pompeo stated: “My assessment after concluding the discussions (in the capital Riyadh) is that there is a serious commitment to determine the whole truth and ensure accountability, including accountability from Saudi leaders or senior officials.”
The top US diplomat said Saudi Arabia's leadership "claimed ignorance of what happened in their consulate in Istanbul."
In a reaction that goes against the wave of international criticism of Saudi Arabia regarding the disappearance of journalist Khashoggi, on the same day, US President Donald Trump declared that Saudi Arabia should be considered innocent, while emphasizing the need to find out what happened before accusing Riyadh.
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| US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discusses with Saudi Arabian officials the disappearance of journalist Khashoggi. Photo: Getty |
Meanwhile, foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G-7) industrialized nations on October 16 called for a "transparent" investigation into the disappearance of journalist Khashoggi, and stressed that they were "very concerned" about the incident.
The statement stated: "We, the Foreign Ministers of the G-7 countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the High Representative of the European Union (EU), affirm our commitment to protecting freedom of expression and defending a free press. We are deeply concerned by the disappearance of prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Those responsible must be held accountable. We encourage cooperation between Ankara and Riyadh, and expect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to conduct a thorough, credible, transparent and prompt investigation, as previously stated."
Khashoggi, a dual citizen of Saudi Arabia and the United States who was critical of Crown Prince Mohammed's policies, went missing on October 2 when he entered the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul to complete paperwork to marry a Turkish woman./.
