Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman denies ordering Jamal Khashoggi murder

 

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said he takes “full responsibility” for the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi – but denies allegations that he ordered the killing.

In an interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes, the crown prince said that Mr Khashoggi’s killing was a “heinous crime” and a “mistake” by agents of the Saudi government.

“But I take full responsibility as a leader in Saudi Arabia, especially since it was committed by individuals working for the Saudi government,” Prince Mohammed said.

Asked if he ordered the murder of Mr Khashoggi, who had criticised him in columns for The Washington Post, Prince Mohammed replied: “Absolutely not.”

On the tension in the Gulf, Prince Mohammed called for global action against Iran and warned that oil prices could otherwise rise astronomically.

Bin Salman blamed Iran for the September 14 attack on Saudi oil facilities that cut its production by half and led to a spike in oil prices.

 

“If the world does not take a strong and firm action to deter Iran, we will see further escalations that will threaten world interests,” he told CBS program 60 Minutes.

Via CBS