UN Secretary-General Calls For Thorough Probe Into Journalist Khashoggi Death - Spokesman

UNITED NATIONS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th October, 2018) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply concerned by the confirmation of the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi by the Arab kingdom's authorities and calls for a transparent investigation into the case, Guterres' spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

Saudi media have reported, citing Prosecutor General Saud bin Abdullah Muajab that the journalist, who was last seen entering the consulate on October 2, had a fight with some people at the Saudi consulate in Turkey which lead to his death. Muajab said that 18 people had been detained in the case, adding that the perpetrators of the killing would be held accountable.

"The Secretary-General is deeply troubled by the confirmation of the death of Jamal Khashoggi. He extends his condolences to Mr. Khashoggi's family and friends. The Secretary-General stresses the need for a prompt, thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Mr.

Khashoggi's death and full accountability for those responsible," Dujarric said in a statement.

On Thursday, Dujarric said that Guterres could initiate an independent investigation into the disappearance of Khashoggi if all the parties involved requested it or if a legislative mandate from the United Nations existed.

Chair-Rapporteur Bernard Duhaime said on the same day that UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances might launch its own investigation into the death of Khashoggi.

Khashoggi, known for his criticism of Saudi policies, has recently been working as a columnist for The Washington Post. The journalist was last seen entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Riyadh is investigating into the journalist's disappearance together with Ankara.

Turkish officials have said that the Saudi authorities are behind the killing of Khashoggi, something denied by Riyadh.