Trump is "not satisfied" with Saudi Arabia's account of the journalist's death at his consulate in Istanbul

Trump is "not satisfied" with Saudi Arabia's account of the journalist's death at his consulate in Istanbul

Trump

US President Donald Trump said he was "dissatisfied" with the Saudi account of the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

On Friday, Saudi Arabia first admitted to death Khashoggi, saying he was killed "in a fight with his hands" at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

But the Saudi explanation was met with skepticism.

Turkish officials believe that Khashoggi, who was critical of some of the kingdom's policies, was killed and that his body was removed by cutting him. 

Jamal Khashoggi

"I will not be satisfied until we find an answer," Trump said, adding sanctions were possible, but stopping the arms sale to Saudi Arabia would "hurt us the most that would hurt them."

Trump said it was "possible" that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was unaware of Khashoggi's death.

Until Friday, Saudi Arabia denied any knowledge of Khashoggi's fate and insisted he left the Saudi consulate in Istanbul alive.

Turkey has vowed to reveal details of Khashoggi's death.

So far, Turkey has not officially publicly accused Saudi Arabia of Khashoggi's death. But Turkish investigators say they have audio and video evidence showing Khashoggi's death at the hands of a group of Saudi customers inside the consulate in Istanbul.


Turkish police are inspecting the consular building, consular residence and a nearby forest where officials say Khashoggi's body may have been removed.

What is the Saudi narrative of events?

Saudi Arabia said Khashoggi, who was no longer satisfied with the Saudi government, and people he met at the consulate, had quarreled, leading to his death.

She says investigations are continuing, and so far 18 people have been arrested.


Unidentified officials told Reuters and the New York Times that the Saudis were not aware of the whereabouts of the body after it was handed over to a "local burial contractor".