Khashoggi Case: Saudi Arabia Wants to Put 5 to Death

Country's top prosecutor says plan was put in motion 3 days before journalist's murder
By Kate Seamons,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 15, 2018 5:32 AM CST
Saudi Arabia to Seek Death for 5 Over Khashoggi's Murder
In this Jan. 29, 2011 file photo, Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi speaks on his cellphone at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.   (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File)

Saudi Arabia's top prosecutor on Thursday said the country will seek the death penalty for five suspects accused of masterminding and facilitating journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder. In what Reuters describes as a "rare press conference," Saudi Al-Mojeb said the murder plot, which involved killing Khashoggi via a lethal injection, was put into motion three days before his Oct. 2 death.

The AP reports Al-Mojeb named former deputy intelligence chief Ahmad al-Assiri as the highest-level official involved; he allegedly ordered Khashoggi's forced return and has been fired. The person who then ordered the killing was the leader of the negotiating team tasked with retrieving him, per Reuters. CNN reports that while 11 people have been charged in the case, the five who face death had a hand in "ordering and executing the crime." Al-Mojeb says Khashoggi's remains still have not been located. (More Jamal Khashoggi stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X