OTTAWA, Oct 21, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Canada condemned Saudi Arabia’s account of
the death of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi as inconsistent and not
credible on Saturday, calling for a “thorough” investigation.
After two weeks of denials, Riyadh admitted that Khashoggi, a prominent
critic of powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed inside its
Istanbul consulate, but has remained mute on the whereabouts of his body.
“Canada condemns the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, which the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has confirmed took place in its consulate in
Istanbul,” Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement. “The
explanations offered to date lack consistency and credibility.”
Freeland’s statement contrasted with US President Donald Trump, who
initially said he found the explanation credible.
Trump later said he was unsatisfied with Saudi Arabia’s response, although
he warned against scrapping a multibillion-dollar arms deal with the
conservative kingdom.
Ankara has vowed to reveal all the details of a two-week inquiry.
Turkish officials have accused Riyadh of carrying out a state-sponsored
killing and dismembering the body, which police have begun hunting for in an
Istanbul forest.
“We reiterate our call for a thorough investigation, in full collaboration
with the Turkish authorities, and a full and rigorous accounting of the
circumstances surrounding Mr Khashoggi’s death,” Freeland said.
“Those responsible for the killing must be held to account and must face
justice.”
The Canadian diplomatic chief also offered condolences to Khashoggi’s
family and loved ones.
“The pain they are enduring as a result of this tragedy is heartbreaking,”
she added.
Relations between Canada and Saudi Arabia have been tense in recent months.
After Canada criticized the Saudi arrest of human rights activists, the
kingdom retaliated by expelling the Canadian ambassador, recalling its own
envoy to Ottawa and freezing trade and investment between the two countries.