Khashoggi’s final words reported by Turkey’s media

Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi asked his government murderers not to cover his mouth because he suffered from asthma, Turkey’s Sabah newspaper has reported. 

The Saudi dissident had been visiting the consulate to obtain documents he needed to get married.

The pro-Ankara publication has published a recording of Khashoggi’s conversation with the Saudi squad who killed him at the Istanbul consulate while the journalist’s fiancée waited outside on October 2 last year. 

The recording of his killing and apparent dismemberment was obtained by Turkey’s intelligence agency. Turkey has strained ties with its oil-rich former colony and its willingness to reveal details of the murder ensures they will deteriorate further. 

Khashoggi’s death brought scrutiny on Saudi Arabia, which released conflicting information after his disappearance.

The Saudi authorities are now blaming a “rogue” operation for the journalist’s murder and put 11 men on trial.

In the transcript, Maher Mutreb, one of the Saudi assassins, tells the US resident that he must return to Riyadh because of an Interpol arrest warrant. The Washington Post columnist said there was no legal case against him and that his fiancée was waiting outside.

Mutreb and another man tell Khashoggi to send his son a message telling him not to worry if he does not receive any more messages, Sabah said. Khashoggi replies: “I will write nothing.”w

Mutreb purportedly says: “Help us, so that we can help you. Because in the end, we will take you to Saudi Arabia. And if you don’t help us, you know what will happen in the end.”

It is thought Khashoggi was drugged and lost consciousness before being sawn to pieces. 

“Don’t cover my mouth. I have asthma, don’t do it. You’ll suffocate me,” were his last words. 

Khashoggi’s body has not been recovered despite international pressure.

Just before Khashoggi arrived, Dr Salah Muhammed Al-Tubaigy, the head of forensic evidence at the Saudi General Security Department, can be heard saying: “Actually, I’ve always worked on cadavers. I know how to cut very well. I have never worked on a warm body though, but I’ll also manage that easily.

“I normally put on my earphones and listen to music when I cut cadavers. In the meantime, I sip on my coffee and smoke.

“After I dismember it, you will wrap the parts into plastic bags, put them in suitcases and take them out.”

 

 

A protest outside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul about Jamal Khashoggi’s murder. Picture credit: Wikimedia