Former diplomat called on for Khashoggi’s apparent assassination

James Khashoggi used to be close to the Saudi royal family but became more known for his outspoken critique of the conservative government. 

By Erick Sandoval

Saudi Arabian intelligence officer and former diplomat Maher Abdulaziz Mutreb played a “pivotal role” in the apparent death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was beheaded while visiting the Saudi consulate. Mutreb, who was the first secretary at the Saudi embassy in London and has been described as a colonel in Saudi intelligence, is closely connected to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. “He was seconded to an elite protection brigade within the Royal Guard to serve as the personal security force of [ the crown prince],” a Saudi source told CNN. Turkish officials continue to gather information and there’s some indications that some of the men responsible for the death may have close ties with the Saudi government. They’ve captured images of the possible suspect and there are certainly indication that it may be him. The exact cause is unknown since his body has never been located or examined. Turkey believes it was a premeditated murder and anonymous Saudi officials admitted that the people who killed him are tied with their government.