Khashoggi suspects should face trial in Turkey: Erdogan

Ankara - Erdogan also stated that the Saudi consulate surveillance system had been deactivated ahead of Khashoggi's death.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday called for 18 Saudi suspects in the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi to stand trial in Istanbul, saying all those involved had to face punishment.

"My demand is that 18 people be tried in Istanbul," Erdogan said in a speech to ruling party lawmakers in Ankara, adding that "all those who played a role in the murder" had to face punishment.

He alleged that the murder was "planned" days in advance according to a "roadmap" set up by a Saudi team who were sent to Istanbul for the purpose. Erdogan added he still wanted answers on numerous issues, including where the corpse is.

Erdogan also stated that the Saudi consulate surveillance system had been deactivated ahead of Khashoggi's death.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Adel Al Jubeir said on Tuesday that the Kingdom was committed to a thorough and complete investigation to get to the truth behind the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Turkey.

Saudi Arabia had sent a team to Turkey for a joint investigation and "uncovered evidence of a murder" in the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, the minister told a news conference in Indonesia during a state visit.

"We expressed commitment ... to see to it that the investigation is thorough and complete and the truth is revealed and those responsible will be held to account," Al Jubeir said at the joint news conference with his Indonesian counterpart.

"We will see to it ... that procedures and mechanisms are put in place to ensure that something like this can never happen again," he said.

Al Jubeir said 18 people had been detained and six senior government officials had already been dismissed as a result of the investigation.
With inputs from AFP and Reuters

• Saudi Arabia