Jamal Khashoggi: Turkish police search Saudi consul's residence
17-10-2018 03:24 PM
Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Turkish investigators have entered the residence of the Saudi consul in Istanbul to gather more evidence about the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi.
Turkish officials suspect the Saudi journalist was killed during a visit to the nearby consulate on 2 October.
The consul, Mohammed al-Otaibi, flew back to Riyadh on Tuesday. He denies knowing what happened to Mr Khashoggi.
However, a Turkish newspaper says Mr Otaibi can be heard in purported audio recordings of Mr Khashoggi's death.
Yeni Safak, which is close to the government, quotes him as telling alleged Saudi agents sent to Istanbul: "Do this outside. You're going to get me in trouble."
Gruesome details said to be of Mr Khashoggi's last moments have emerged in a range of media outlets.
In Washington, President Trump says his administration has asked to hear the audio recording - "if it exists".
"I want to find out what happened, where was the fault," he told reporters.
He also dismissed the idea he was "giving cover" to the Saudis - a key US ally.
Mr Trump earlier cautioned against rushing to blame Saudi leaders, telling the Associated Press that they were being treated as "guilty until proven innocent".
What else is the US doing?
Earlier, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed the case with Turkey's president and foreign minister during a visit to Ankara. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said the meeting was "beneficial and fruitful".
*BBC