UK Opposes Death Penalties For Defendants In Khashoggi Murder Case - Foreign Office

LONDON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 16th November, 2018) The UK government hopes for continuation of the investigation into the murder of Saudi opposition journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul and opposes to death penalties for some defendants in this case as it was requested by Saudi prosecutors, a spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office said on Thursday.

Earlier in the day, the Saudi Prosecutor General's Office said that Khashoggi was killed with a drug injection and his body was dismembered and taken out of the consulate. According to the statement, 21 people have been detained in the Khashoggi murder case, with 11 of them charged. Prosecutors were demanding the death penalty for five of them.

"The beginning of a judicial process should be a step towards accountability but we are watching closely and expect the continuing investigation to proceed in line with internationally recognised legal standards.

It is the longstanding position of the UK Government to oppose to capital sentences in all circumstances and countries," the statement said.

The spokesperson added that London expected Saudi Arabia to take action to ensure such "violations of international and national laws cannot happen again."

Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist known for his criticism of Saudi policies, disappeared on October 2 after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Saudi Arabia's acknowledgment that the journalist had been killed in a fight inside the consulate came after two weeks of denials and growing pressure from Western allies to provide explanations.

On October 26, the Saudi prosecutor general acknowledged that the journalist's murder had been premeditated. However, Riyadh maintains that the killing had nothing to do with the Saudi Royal family, describing it as a rogue operation.