Japanese Foreign Minister Calls For Comprehensive Probe Into Death Of Saudi Journalist

TOKYO (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st October, 2018) Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono called on Sunday for carrying out a comprehensive investigation into the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Saudi Arabia admitted on Friday that Khashoggi died in a fight at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, after having denied any knowledge of his whereabouts for two weeks. Riyadh said 18 people had been already arrested over their involvement in the incident.

"That is regrettable. We are calling for a comprehensive investigation into the incident and taking fair and transparent reciprocal measures," Kono said during his visit to Denmark, as quoted by the NHK broadcaster.

Khashoggi, who has been working for The Washington Post newspaper as a columnist and known for his criticism of Saudi authorities, went missing in Istanbul on October 2 after he entered the Saudi consulate and never came out. The incident caused a significant public outcry in Turkey as well as many Western countries.