Jamal Khashoggi Is Dead, Saudi Arabian State Television Confirms; 18 Detained

Saudi Arabia has said the journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who disappeared after visiting the country’s consulate in Istanbul on 2 October, is dead.

The news, which cited preliminary findings from an official investigation, was announced on state television on Friday. It said a fight broke out between Khashoggi and people who met him in the consulate, leading to the death of the reporter.

Khashoggi was a US permanent resident who wrote for the Washington Post.

It was also announced the Saudis have set up a commission that will investigate Khashoggi’s death and will have one month to release a report. The commission will consist of national security officials, the foreign ministry and the interior ministry.

The Saudi Press Agency said 18 Saudi nationals have now been detained in the investigation.

A royal order has also been issued to release Major General Ahmed al-Assiri from his duty as the deputy of the intelligence services, according the announcement.