Khashoggi probe 'complies with international law'

By Murat Paksoy

ANKARA

The investigation of a journalist who went missing after entering the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul "complies with international law and conventions in all aspects," prosecutors said in a statement Thursday.

The public will be informed about the investigation "when necessary," said the Istanbul's Chief Public Prosecutor's Office.

Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi is feared killed since he entered the Saudi Consulate on Oct. 2 and was never seen leaving.

The prosecutor's office said after the Levent Police Station was told by Khashoggi's Turkish citizen fiancee Hatice Cengiz on Oct. 2, 4.40 p.m. local time (1340GMT) about the disappearance, the investigation "began immediately."

The office also said after Saudi officials granted permission on Tuesday, "procedural acts started at the Saudi Consulate, Saudi consul's residence, and vehicles."

On the same day of the disappearance, 15 other Saudis, including several officials, arrived in Istanbul on two planes and visited the consulate while Khashoggi was still inside, according to Turkish police sources. All of the identified individuals have since left Turkey.

On Wednesday, crime scene investigation units arrived at the official residence of the Saudi consul, Mohammad al-Otaibi, around 4.40 p.m. local time (1340 GMT). Al-Otaibi had left Turkey for Riyadh on Tuesday.

Officials from a joint Turkish-Saudi team completed an investigation into the case early Thursday after searching the residence as well as the Saudi Consulate building in Istanbul.

The Turkish team concluded its search for evidence in nine hours and left but returned to the Saudi Consulate to continue searching the premises.