Saudi Arabia Explanations Of Khashoggi Death Lack Credibility - Canadian Foreign Minister

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 21st October, 2018) Canada believes that the explanations of the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi provided by Riyadh lack consistency and credibility, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland said.

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.

"Canada condemns the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has confirmed took place in its consulate in Istanbul. The explanations offered to date lack consistency and credibility," Freeland said on Saturday, as quoted by the ministry's statement.

The minister expressed condolences to the family and friends of the murdered journalist.

"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. Those responsible for the killing must be held to account and must face justice," Freeland added.

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. Many states have already called on Saudi Arabia to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident.