Saudi Arabia is facing a growing chorus of incredulity over its belated explanation of how critic Jamal Khashoggi died inside its Istanbul consulate.
After a fortnight of denials, in which the Saudi authorities said Khashoggi left the consulate unharmed, and then that they were investigating his disappearance, Saudi authorities backtracked on Saturday and admitted the 60-year-old was killed in a “brawl” with officials inside the consulate.
But that narrative, combined with the absence of Khashoggi’s body, quickly drew scepticism and scorn from many, including staunch allies.
Ankara vowed to reveal all the details of its own inquiry as US President Donald Trump said he was unsatisfied with Saudi Arabia’s response to the columnist’s death while the EU, Germany, France, Britain, Australia, Canada and the UN also demanded greater clarity.
The controversy has put the kingdom — for decades a key ally in Western efforts to contain Iran — under unprecedented pressure.