Death of Saudi Journalist: World leaders demand more information on Khashoggi's death

World
Europe

02:05

World leaders are calling Khashoggi's death, "shocking" and "unacceptable". Many are demanding more information - and Khashoggi's body. CGTN's John Terrett has more on world reaction from New York.

On Saturday Saudi Arabia said Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi died in a fist fight at its consulate in Istanbul.

Condemnation of the killing - two weeks after Khashoggi disappeared - is being led by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

A statement from his spokesperson says the secretary-general is deeply troubled by Khashoggi's death and it goes on.

"The secretary-general stresses the need for a prompt, thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances of Mr. Khashoggi's death and full accountability for those responsible."

In Europe, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Khashoggi's death is an attack on press freedom.

ANGELA MERKEL GERMAN CHANCELLOR "Those freedoms can not be taken for granted all over the world. Take a look around. Talking about Saudi Arabia. Those terrible events, which still haven't been cleared up yet. And where we of course demand an explanation."

In the US, Donald Trump is careful not to upset the Saudis and their $110-billion dollar arms deals with American aerospace and defense companies.

DONALD TRUMP US PRESIDENT'We have a tremendous order, probably the people around this table have the vast percentage of the $110-billion order from Saudi. Saudi Arabia has been a great ally. But what happened is unacceptable."

Turkey says it hopes to know "before long" what really happened to Jamal Khashoggi - it's seeking DNA samples to help the investigation. It believes he was killed by a team of Saudi agents.

JOHN TERRETTNEW YORK "There's a good deal of skepticism over the Saudi explanation of Khashoggi's death that he died in a fist fight. However, the Kingdom's closest allies - the UAE - Bahrain and Egypt are pledging their support - saying it demonstrates a Saudi commitment to finding the truth and taking the required legal action against those involved. John Terrett, CGTN, New York."