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UN report calls for investigation of Saudi crown prince's role in journalist's killing

GENEVA — An independent investigator for the United Nations says there is "credible evidence" warranting a probe into Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's possible involvement in the 2018 slaying of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi.

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According to The Associated Press, U.N. special rapporteur Agnes Callamard said in a 101-page report that "a proper authority" should consider whether the crown prince or senior adviser Saud Alqahtani bore "criminal responsibility" in the death.

"Mr. Khashoggi's killing constituted an extrajudicial killing for which the State of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is responsible," the report said.

Khashoggi, who was critical of the Saudi regime, was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last October. Saudi officials later blamed the death on "rogue operators," CNN reported. Eleven people – five of whom could receive the death penalty – are being tried in Saudi Arabia in connection with the slaying.

The report said Callamard made "no conclusion" as to whether the crown prince or Alqahtani are guilty but determined that Khashoggi's execution was "deliberate" and "premeditated," news outlets reported.

The report also named 15 suspects in the incident, during which Khashoggi was drugged, suffocated and dismembered, CNN reported.

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– The Associated Press contributed to this report.