Saudi Arabia Fires Top Officials and Makes Multiple Arrests over Khashoggi Death to Diffuse Political Tension
Category: Unrest
Severity: 2 (Low)
Source: Drum Cussac
10/20/2018 (Saudi Arabia) - According to international media reports on Saturday, 20 October, Saudi authorities have for the first time admitted that journalist and government critic Jamal Khashoggi was killed at its consulate in Istanbul and have announced a number of arrests and dismissal of top officials in response to the incident. Authorities initially denied any knowledge of the disappearance of Khashoggi after a visit to the consulate on Tuesday, 2 October, but announced on Saturday morning that following a probe into the incident it had been discovered after an argument between the Washington Post contributor and unspecified people at the consulate broke into a fight, during which he was killed. The public prosecutor has said that 18 people have been detained in relation to the incident and King Salman has issued royal orders removing five top officials from their positions and ordered the formation of a committee to restructure the kingdom's intelligence agency, headed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who's advisor was one of those dismissed having been implicated in the case. The moves come after increased international pressure, particularly from Washington D.C., on Riyadh to act on Turkish intelligence claiming Khashoggi was murdered. The episode has threatened to create a diplomatic crisis which could further destabilise the troubled region.
Members in Saudi Arabia are advised to maintain a heightened level of vigilance and monitor local media for the latest information on the situation. Avoid any protests or demonstrations related to the episode and adhere to any directives issued by authorities.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
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