Audio recording emerges of ‘murder’ of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi
Investigators have obtained an audio recording of journalist Jamal Khashoggi allegedly being murdered in the Saudi consulate, according to sources close to the investigation.
The US resident and critic of the Saudi government was last seen entering the consulate in Istanbul two weeks ago.
Read more: IMF pulls out of Saudi investor summit over missing journalist
Turkish officials have searched the consulate and sources said a recording reveals Khashoggi was beaten after a brief conversation with Saudi consul general Mohammed al-Otaibi.
A second search, cancelled on Tuesday because Saudi officials were not able to join, is expected to happen later on Wednesday.
Officials also said his body may have been cut into pieces after a Saudi forensics expert instructed others to put headphones in and listen to music.
The diplomatic crisis has deepened in recent days and more details have emerged surrounding Khashoggi's disappearance.
US President Donald Trump said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman denied having any knowledge of what happened to the Washington Post contributor.
Read more: Two city chiefs withdraw from Saudi conference over journalist's death
Trump himself said it could have been “rogue killers” and cautioned against rushing to blame Saudi Arabia
Turkish officials have also provided several US media outlets with passport scans of seven men suspected of being involved in Khashoggi's disappearance – several of whom have links to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.
The men are believed to be part of a 15-strong Saudi group, who arrived in Istanbul on the day the journalist went missing.