Killing in the Consulate: Investigating the Life and Death of Jamal Khashoggi

The Killing in the Consulate is a comprehensive account of the events after journalist Jamal Khashoggi entered the Saudi consulate in Turkey, expecting to receive documentation to marry Hatice Cengiz. A 15-man Saudi hit squad had flown in and murdered him, and Turkey's President Erdogan's security and intelligence agencies had bugged the consulate and captured the events on tape. This power struggle between Erdogan and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had global consequences, creating the biggest crisis in US-Saudi relations since 9/11.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2020
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Ltd

In a meticulously researched and informative piece, Jonathan Rugman, a BAFTA award-winning Foreign Affairs Correspondent for Channel 4, delves into the tragic events surrounding the disappearance and murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Following Khashoggi's visit to the Saudi consulate in Turkey, where he was subsequently filmed entering, he was never seen alive again. This incident, labeled by Donald Trump as the "worst cover-up ever," has now been pieced together by Rugman in his comprehensive account, "The Killing in the Consulate."

On October 2, 2018, Khashoggi entered the Saudi diplomatic building in Istanbul, expecting to receive the necessary documentation for his marriage to Hatice Cengiz, who was waiting for him outside. However, he was unwittingly caught in a trap set by a 15-man Saudi hit squad that had arrived in the country shortly before. Within minutes, Khashoggi was brutally murdered, and his body was swiftly disposed of. The Saudis believed they could get away with the crime, concocting a far-fetched story to cover up their actions.

However, they were unaware that Turkey's President Erdogan's security and intelligence agencies had bugged the consulate, capturing the horrific events on tape. Rugman's research, based on confidential sources, dramatic new evidence, and in-depth research across several countries, sheds light on the context behind the murder and attempted cover-up. He reveals the power struggle between Erdogan and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, known as MBS, which had fatal consequences.

The prince had promised a new and more progressive era for Saudi Arabia, but his actions, including the murder of Khashoggi, have tarnished his reputation and led to international condemnation. Rugman's account provides a detailed timeline of the events leading up to the murder, the investigation, and the global response. It also highlights the role played by Saudi Arabia's foreign minister, Adel al-Jubeir, who initially denied any knowledge of Khashoggi's disappearance but later admitted that the prince was responsible.

The Killing in the Consulate is a powerful and eye-opening exploration of a scandal that shook the world. Rugman's reporting is thorough, and his analysis provides a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play in the region. This is a must-read for anyone interested in international politics and the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability.

Weight: 270g
Dimension: 130 x 198 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781471184789