In this Feb. 1, 2015 file photo, Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi speaks during a press conference in Manama, Bahrain. AP
ISTANBUL — A friend of a Saudi journalist who went missing in Istanbul says officials told him to “make your funeral preparations” as the Washington Post contributor “was killed” at the Saudi Consulate.
Turan Kislakci, a friend of Jamal Khashoggi and the head of the Turkish-Arab Media Association, told The Associated Press on Sunday that officials also told him they “have evidence he was killed in a barbaric way” and dismembered.
Saudi officials have denied the allegations that Khashoggi was killed as “baseless.”
A Turkish official separately told the AP that authorities believe Khashoggi was killed at the Saudi Consulate. Another said it was a “high possibility.” Both spoke on condition of anonymity as the investigation was ongoing.
Khashoggi disappeared Tuesday. /ee