Missing journalist’s final column published as Turkish investigators ramp up Saudi ‘murder’ inquiry
The final column of missing journalist Jamal Khashoggi has been published by The Washington Post as Turkish police bag up evidence in their investigation into his alleged murder.
His final journalistic work, entitled 'What the Arab world needs most is free expression', was submitted to the newspaper by Khashoggi's assistant the day after he was reported missing earlier this month.
The US resident and critic of the Saudi government has not been seen since entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October.
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Turkish investigators searched the consulate overnight and officials believe the journalist was murdered inside by Saudi agents.
Khashoggi's column criticised the Arab world over its press freedom and referenced his close friend and fellow Saudi writer, Saleh al-Shehi, who is currently serving a five-year sentence after comments against the government.
“These actions no longer carry the consequence of a backlash from the international community.
“Instead, these actions may trigger condemnation quickly followed by silence.”
Khashoggi added that such responses gave Arab governments “free rein” to continue silencing the media.
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Global opinions editor Karen Attiah said The Washington Post had held off publishing his article, as she hoped Khashoggi would return and they could edit the piece together, but now said she had to accept that was “not going to happen.”
She said: “This column perfectly captures his commitment and passion for freedom in the Arab world.
“A freedom he apparently gave his life for.”