Khashoggi murder trial begins in Saudi Arabia

The Dhaka Times Desk The trial of 11 accused in the murder case of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi has started in the country's capital, Riyadh. Saudi media has said that government officials have sought the death penalty for five of the defendants in the case.

Journalist Jamal Khashoggi was a strong critic of the Saudi government. He was killed after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2 last year.

Saudi Arabian government officials claimed that he was killed by some disobedient Saudi agents. They were sent to convince Jamal Khashoggi to bring him back to the country.

Turkey accused the 18 people of the murders and demanded that they be handed over to the Saudi authorities to face trial.

However, very little information is available in the Saudi official media about this trial. The case was heard in the first session of the criminal court in which those persons were tried. Eleven defendants and their lawyers were present in that court.

The defense lawyers have also sought a copy of the charge sheet. Also asked for time to critically review it. The next hearing date is yet to be set.

A request for evidence in this case from Turkey has not received a response. The Saudi Press Agency gave this news citing the Saudi Attorney General.

11 accused in the case, that information has not been disclosed. Earlier in a statement it was said that the investigation against 10 more people is going on.

In November last year, Saudi Deputy Public Prosecutor Shalan bin Razih Shalan said an intelligence officer ordered the killing. The killing was said to be carried out by lethal injection.

He also said that this officer was actually ordered to bring Jamal Khashoggi back to the country.

Mr. Shalan said Jamal Khashoggi's body was dismembered after the assassination. Then it was handed over to a local associate. However, Jamal Khashoggi's remains have not been found so far.

15 Saudi agents who were present at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul at the time of the assassination. After returning through Istanbul International Airport, they were flagged by Türkiye. However, it is not yet clear whether any of them are among the accused in this case.

According to BBC news, most of the western countries believe that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was behind this murder. But he is not being prosecuted.

U.S. officials have repeatedly said there is no way such an assassination could have been carried out without Prince Mohammed's approval. However, Prince Mohammed has repeatedly denied any role in the incident.