Turkish officials say Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi murdered in Saudi consulate
Officials in Turkey say they believe a missing Saudi journalist has been killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Turkey's President says he's closely following the investigation.
Ro Aram reports.
Jamal Khashoggi was last seen visiting the Saudi consulate last Tuesday.
He has contributed articles to the Washington Post's opinion section and has been an outspoken critic of the Saudi leadership.
A former colleague had suggested he left the Kingdom out of fear of retribution for his criticism of Saudi policy in the Yemen war and its crackdown on dissent.
He entered the consulate to get documents for his forthcoming marriage with his Turkish fiance, who was waiting outside.
She said she never saw him reemerge from the building, contradicting comments made by Saudi officials who said he left shortly after entering.
But she tweeted that she cannot believe her fiance has been killed, adding she was waiting for confirmation from Turkish authorities.
Saudi Arabia has denied accusations the journalist was murdered, saying it's searching for him.
Turkish officials say they have concrete evidence he was killed, but none has been presented yet.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters he's closely following the investigation.
"….. And being the president of the Turkish republic, I am following it personally and we will let all the world know the outcome of this….. Everything including entries and exits to the consulate are being investigated. Also departures and arrivals to airports are being investigated as well."
Relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia have often been strained due to several religious and regional issues.
But if proven, the murder of Khashoggi would be the most serious diplomatic crisis between the two nations to date.
Ro Aram, Arirang News.
Turkey's President says he's closely following the investigation.
Ro Aram reports.
Jamal Khashoggi was last seen visiting the Saudi consulate last Tuesday.
He has contributed articles to the Washington Post's opinion section and has been an outspoken critic of the Saudi leadership.
A former colleague had suggested he left the Kingdom out of fear of retribution for his criticism of Saudi policy in the Yemen war and its crackdown on dissent.
He entered the consulate to get documents for his forthcoming marriage with his Turkish fiance, who was waiting outside.
She said she never saw him reemerge from the building, contradicting comments made by Saudi officials who said he left shortly after entering.
But she tweeted that she cannot believe her fiance has been killed, adding she was waiting for confirmation from Turkish authorities.
Saudi Arabia has denied accusations the journalist was murdered, saying it's searching for him.
Turkish officials say they have concrete evidence he was killed, but none has been presented yet.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told reporters he's closely following the investigation.
"….. And being the president of the Turkish republic, I am following it personally and we will let all the world know the outcome of this….. Everything including entries and exits to the consulate are being investigated. Also departures and arrivals to airports are being investigated as well."
Relations between Turkey and Saudi Arabia have often been strained due to several religious and regional issues.
But if proven, the murder of Khashoggi would be the most serious diplomatic crisis between the two nations to date.
Ro Aram, Arirang News.