US Sanctions Saudi Officials as Riyadh Seeks Death Penalty for 5 in Khashoggi Killing

Saudi dissident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi speaking on his cellphone at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Jan. 29, 2011. AP Photo/Virginia Mayo

The United States sanctioned 17 senior Saudi officials on Nov. 15, hours after Riyadh’s top prosecutor called for the death penalty for five suspects charged with ordering and carrying out the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Attorney General Saud al-Mojeb said that 11 suspects have been indicted in connection with Khashoggi’s slaying in the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, and that five of the individuals should face the death penalty for their direct involvement in “ordering and executing the crime.”