Khashoggi's fiancée: ‘He did not even expect to be arrested’

The fiancée of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi said on Friday that “he did not think the Saudi authorities would interrogate him or arrest him in Turkey, despite his concern about possible tension during his consulate visit in Istanbul”.

Hatice Cengiz’ statements came during a television interview with Haberturk, in which she also said that Khashoggi did not want to go to the consulate on 2 October. Cengiz said that he was treated “well” when he first visited the embassy on 28 September, which reinforces the Turkish version of events which claim Khashoggi’s killers lured him to the consulate.

READ: Saudi van with 3 suitcases leaves Istanbul consulate

She added that the Saudi mission in Washington did not direct Khashoggi to Istanbul, despite leaks by the US press, and said that Saudi Ambassador to Washington Khalid Bin Salman – the brother of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman – met Khashoggi in Washington before the latter’s assassination. Khalid Bin Salman was summoned by Washington immediately after the news of Khashoggi’s death and has not yet returned to his post.

Over the past two weeks, Saudi and Saudi-funded media have launched a fierce campaign against Cengiz, accusing her of working for an extremist organisation, of having “psychological disorders” and sometimes making fun of her appearance.

Saudi media have also interfered in Cengiz’ personal life amid major contradictions in their information, first describing her as the daughter of an adviser to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, then “denigrating” her as belonging to the “Turkish lower class”.

Hatice Cengiz’ name emerged within hours of Khashoggi’s disappearance at the Saudi consulate – which he entered to get marriage documents – while she waited for him outside. Through her Twitter account and her contact with various media she contributed to the international media reception to Khashoggi’s assassination.

READ: Blair refuses to cancel lucrative deal with Saudi despite Khashoggi murder

US President Donald Trump yesterday invited Cengiz to visit the White House and offered his condolences on the death of her fiancée, an offer which she declined.

Where is Jamal Khashoggi?… – Cartoon [Sabaaneh/MiddleEastMonitor]