First trial session of Khashoggi's killers begins in Riyadh

CAIRO – 3 January 2019: The first trial session of the 11 killers of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi started on Thursday.

The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported that the initial hearing for the 11 individuals indicted by the Public Prosecution in the case of the murder of citizen Jamal Khashoggi was held in the Criminal Court of Riyadh.

The defendants’ attorneys were present under Article (4) of the Law of Criminal Procedures.

The Public Prosecutor demanded imposing proper punishments against the defendants and is seeking capital punishment for five of the defendants for their direct involvement in the murder.

During the initial hearing of the case, the defendants requested a copy of the indictment and additional time to respond.

The defendants' request was approved according to the Law of Criminal Procedures.

Meanwhile, the Public Prosecutor continues to investigate the case with the rest of the individuals in custody in relation to this crime.

In addition, two letters were sent to the Public Prosecutor of Turkey in follow up to other letters requesting the Turkish Public Prosecution to provide any evidence connected to this case.

To date, the Saudi Public Prosecutor has not received any response, and the Public Prosecution is still waiting their response.