Saudi prosecutor announced that three other convicts in the case will be sent for extended prison terms • Two close associates of Crown Prince Ben Salman have been released without charge

• Muhammad bin Salman. His associates were released for free // Photo: IP

Saudi Public Prosecutors announced Monday that five people have been executed following the assassination case of journalist Jamal Hashokji at the Istanbul Consulate last year. Three others involved will face a 24-year suspended prison sentence. This is according to the ruling in Riyadh court. Eleven suspects were arrested in the kingdom following the case, and are on trial for their involvement in the assassination.

The Reuters news agency reported that Saud al-Qahatani, a security adviser and associate of Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman, was questioned but not charged and released. According to the prosecutor, Deputy Chief of Intelligence Ahmed al-Assiri, another associate of the senior prince, was also released for lack of evidence.

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Remember, the journalist who previously served as a consultant in the Arab kingdom has become a strong critic of Salman in the Western press. Hashokji also showed sympathetic attitude towards the Muslim Brotherhood, which is part of opposition groups in the country.

Hashokji was last seen on October 2, 2018 when security cameras at the consulate documented him entering the building to arrange marriage documents. According to reports based on Turkish officials, he encountered a group of Saudis who attacked him and strangled him. His body that was evacuated from the building was reportedly not yet located.

The U.S. CIA and Western governments believe that heir Ben Salman is behind the order to eliminate the publicist. However, Saudi officials have denied the allegation.