‘Credible evidence’ Saudi crown prince responsible for journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s death

A new UN report says there is “sufficient credible evidence” Saudi Arabia’s crown prince is to blame for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Evidence suggests Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman and other senior Saudi officials are liable for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a UN rights investigator says.

There was no immediate reaction from Riyadh, which was sent the 100-page report in advance, but the kingdom has regularly denied accusations that the prince was involved.

The remains of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi have never been found. Picture: AP

Agnes Callamard, the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions, called for countries to widen sanctions to include the Crown Prince and his personal assets, until and unless he can prove he has no responsibility. Khashoggi, a critic of the prince and a Washington Post columnist, was last seen at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 where he was to receive papers ahead of his wedding.

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Jamal Khashoggi was last seen entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 last year. Picture: AP

His body was dismembered and removed from the building, the Saudi prosecutor has said, and his remains have not been found.

“It is the conclusion of the Special Rapporteur that Mr. Khashoggi has been the victim of a deliberate, premeditated execution, an extrajudicial killing for which the state of Saudi Arabia is responsible under international human rights law,” Ms Callamard said in her report based on a six-month investigation.

Journalist Jamal Khashoggi was a prominent critic of Saudi Arabia. Picture: AFP

Prince Mohammed bin Salman has denied his involvement in the murder. Picture: AP

Ms Callamard went to Turkey earlier this year with a team of forensic and legal experts and said she received evidence from Turkish authorities.

“There is credible evidence, warranting further investigation of high-level Saudi officials’ individual liability, including the Crown Prince’s”, she said.

The prince met with Jamal Khashoggi’s son, Salah, in the weeks following the journalist’s disappearance. Picture: AP

“Indeed, this human rights inquiry has shown that there is sufficient credible evidence regarding the responsibility of the Crown Prince demanding further investigation,” she added, urging UN Secretary-General to establish an international probe.

United Nation special rapporteur Agnes Callamard said Khashoggi had been the “victim of an extrajudicial killing for which the state of Saudi Arabia is responsible”. Picture: AFP

Turkey strongly endorses the UN’s recommendations regarding the Khashoggi’s murder, Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said. “(We) strongly endorse UN Rapporteur Agnes Callamard’s recommendations for elucidating Khashoggi’s murder and holding those responsible accountable,” Mr Cavusoglu said on Twitter.

Jamal Khashoggi with his fiancée Hatice Cengiz, who was waiting for him outside the consulate when he disappeared. Picture: Supplied