Philippine prosecutors said Wednesday they will file a libel charge carrying up to 12 years in prison against journalist Maria Ressa, who leads a news website that has clashed with President Rodrigo Duterte's administration.

The case -- under a controversial cybercrime law penalising online libel -- adds to legal pressure on Ressa and her site Rappler, which has already been hit with tax evasion charges that could shutter the outlet and put her behind bars.

Ressa, who was named a Time Magazine "Person of the Year" in 2018 for her journalistic work, slammed the fresh case as a new front of "harassment" intended to silence her website.

Rappler has drawn the administration's ire since publishing reports critical of Duterte's signature anti-drug crackdown that has killed thousands of alleged users and pushers since 2016.

However, the new case against Ressa and former Rappler reporter Reynaldo Santos, Jr. stems from a 2012 report written about a businessman's alleged ties to a then-judge on the nation's top court.&nbsp;

While investigators initially dismissed the businessman's 2017 complaint about the article, the case was subsequently forwarded to prosecutors for their consideration.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told AFP on Wednesday the case would be filed in court "very soon".

Duterte has lashed out at other critical media outfits, including the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper and broadcaster ABS-CBN.&nbsp;

He had threatened to go after their owners over alleged unpaid taxes or block the network's franchise renewal application.

Some of the drug crackdown's highest-profile critics have wound up behind bars, including Senator Leila de Lima, who was jailed on drug charges she insists were fabricated to silence her.

Ressa, already on bail for the tax charges, said the new case lacks a sound legal basis.

"It is ridiculous, of course it is harassment," she told AFP. "The story was published seven years ago, four months before the (cybercrime) law was enacted."

The law that forms the foundation of the case takes aim at various online offences, including computer fraud and hacking.&nbsp;

Nonoy Espina, chairman of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, said the case would set an ominous precedent.

"This is an extremely dangerous proposition since it essentially means anyone can be made liable for anything and everything they posted even way before the Cybercrime Law," he added.

Guevarra denied the government's decision to pursue the case was an effort to put pressure on the website.

"We do not inject politics in our work. No one tells us how to go about doing our job. We give contending parties equal opportunities to present their side," Guevarra told AFP.

Under the tax case, the government accuses Rappler Holdings Corp., Ressa and the site's accountant of failing to pay taxes on 2015 bond sales that it alleges netted gains of 162.5 million pesos ($3 million).

The Philippine justice system is notoriously overburdened and slow, with even minor cases taking years to be judged.

Philippine prosecutors said Wednesday they will file a libel charge carrying up to 12 years in prison against journalist Maria Ressa, who leads a news website that has clashed with President Rodrigo Duterte's administration.

Philippine prosecutors said Wednesday they will file a libel charge carrying up to 12 years in prison against journalist Maria Ressa, who leads a news website that has clashed with President Rodrigo Duterte's administration. The case -- under a controversial cybercrime law penalising online libel -- adds to legal pressure on Ressa and her site Rappler, which has already been hit with tax evasion charges that could shutter the outlet and put her behind bars. Ressa, who was named a Time Magazine "Person of the Year" in 2018 for her journalistic work, slammed the fresh case as a new front of "harassment" intended to silence her website. Rappler has drawn the administration's ire since publishing reports critical of Duterte's signature anti-drug crackdown that has killed thousands of alleged users and pushers since 2016. However, the new case against Ressa and former Rappler reporter Reynaldo Santos, Jr. stems from a 2012 report written about a businessman's alleged ties to a then-judge on the nation's top court. While investigators initially dismissed the businessman's 2017 complaint about the article, the case was subsequently forwarded to prosecutors for their consideration. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told AFP on Wednesday the case would be filed in court "very soon". Duterte has lashed out at other critical media outfits, including the Philippine Daily Inquirer newspaper and broadcaster ABS-CBN. He had threatened to go after their owners over alleged unpaid taxes or block the network's franchise renewal application. Some of the drug crackdown's highest-profile critics have wound up behind bars, including Senator Leila de Lima, who was jailed on drug charges she insists were fabricated to silence her. Ressa, already on bail for the tax charges, said the new case lacks a sound legal basis. "It is ridiculous, of course it is harassment," she told AFP. "The story was published seven years ago, four months before the (cybercrime) law was enacted." The law that forms the foundation of the case takes aim at various online offences, including computer fraud and hacking. Nonoy Espina, chairman of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, said the case would set an ominous precedent. "This is an extremely dangerous proposition since it essentially means anyone can be made liable for anything and everything they posted even way before the Cybercrime Law," he added. Guevarra denied the government's decision to pursue the case was an effort to put pressure on the website. "We do not inject politics in our work. No one tells us how to go about doing our job. We give contending parties equal opportunities to present their side," Guevarra told AFP. Under the tax case, the government accuses Rappler Holdings Corp., Ressa and the site's accountant of failing to pay taxes on 2015 bond sales that it alleges netted gains of 162.5 million pesos ($3 million). The Philippine justice system is notoriously overburdened and slow, with even minor cases taking years to be judged.

Philippines announces libel charge against critical journalist

Sachin Tendulkar launches biography of Gymnast Dipa Karmakar in Mumbai

At least 17 journalists were killed and over 100 cases of violence against media workers reported in Afghanistan in 2018, one of the bloodiest years for the press in the war-torn country, a media watchdog said on Thursday.

Afghan Journalists Safety Committee in its annual report released in Kabul said the number of slain journalists was fewer than in 2017, when 20 deaths marked the deadliest year for media persons since the nonprofit started tracking these incidents in 2013.

It said 15 journalists were injured last year and 121 cases of physical violence and intimidation were reported, including illegal detention, threats and insults.

Of the 121 cases, 41 per cent were carried out by the Taliban and the Islamic State militant groups, 27 per cent by the people related to the government, five per cent by owners of media outlets and the rest by unidentified people.

At least 11 per cent of the victims in such cases were women, the watchdog said.

AJSC director Najib Sharifi told EFE that he was extremely concerned by the "deliberate and direct targeting" of journalists and media outlets.

He said despite growing threats to journalists, most of the media houses were yet to employ sufficient security measures to protect their employees.

"We ask the government to take serious security measures. We also call on owners of the media outlets to pay attention to the security of their journalists," Sharifi said.

AJSC researcher Abdul Qadim Wiar said 2018 was more violent as compared to the past because the nature of the violence against journalists "changed completely."

Sharifi pointed out that most of the deaths in 2018 occurred on April 30, when a double-suicide attack in Kabul - claimed by the Islamic State - killed nine journalists, including an AFP photojournalist.

On the same day, an Afghan journalist working for British broadcaster BBC died in a shooting incident in southeast Afghanistan.

Last week, an anti-terrorist trial court awarded death to one of the convicts and six and 30 years one to other two in the BBC journalist's murder.

At least 17 journalists were killed and over 100 cases of violence against media workers reported in Afghanistan in 2018, one of the bloodiest years for the press in the war-torn country, a media watchdog said on Thursday.

At least 17 journalists were killed and over 100 cases of violence against media workers reported in Afghanistan in 2018, one of the bloodiest years for the press in the war-torn country, a media watchdog said on Thursday. Afghan Journalists Safety Committee in its annual report released in Kabul said the number of slain journalists was fewer than in 2017, when 20 deaths marked the deadliest year for media persons since the nonprofit started tracking these incidents in 2013. It said 15 journalists were injured last year and 121 cases of physical violence and intimidation were reported, including illegal detention, threats and insults. Of the 121 cases, 41 per cent were carried out by the Taliban and the Islamic State militant groups, 27 per cent by the people related to the government, five per cent by owners of media outlets and the rest by unidentified people. At least 11 per cent of the victims in such cases were women, the watchdog said. AJSC director Najib Sharifi told EFE that he was extremely concerned by the "deliberate and direct targeting" of journalists and media outlets. He said despite growing threats to journalists, most of the media houses were yet to employ sufficient security measures to protect their employees. "We ask the government to take serious security measures. We also call on owners of the media outlets to pay attention to the security of their journalists," Sharifi said. AJSC researcher Abdul Qadim Wiar said 2018 was more violent as compared to the past because the nature of the violence against journalists "changed completely." Sharifi pointed out that most of the deaths in 2018 occurred on April 30, when a double-suicide attack in Kabul - claimed by the Islamic State - killed nine journalists, including an AFP photojournalist. On the same day, an Afghan journalist working for British broadcaster BBC died in a shooting incident in southeast Afghanistan. Last week, an anti-terrorist trial court awarded death to one of the convicts and six and 30 years one to other two in the BBC journalist's murder.

17 Journalists killed in Afghanistan in 2018: Media watchdog

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj congratulated her Bangladeshi counterpart Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali for his recent win in the 11th Parliamentary elections held on Sunday.

The EAM reiterated that India would continue cooperation with Bangladesh as a close neighbour while extending her wishes to the Bangladeshi Foreign Minister.

"Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali thanked Indian External Affairs Minister for the call. He expressed the hope that both the countries would continue to work together for the benefit of the two peoples," a release issued by Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/our-ties-will-continue-to-flourish-under-her-leadership-pm-modi-congratulates-sheikh-hasina-on-parliamentary-win-187474">Sunday's elections</a> saw the Awami League-led Grand Alliance securing a landslide victory by winning 288 seats. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) helmed front, on the other hand, suffered a major setback as it only secured seven seats.

The new lawmakers are slated to be sworn in on January 3 in Dhaka. However, Members of Parliament (MPs) from BNP will not be taking an oath tomorrow, as the party has rejected election results and has called for fresh elections.

Sunday's elections saw the Awami League-led Grand Alliance securing a landslide victory by winning 288 seats.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj congratulated her Bangladeshi counterpart Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali for his recent win in the 11th Parliamentary elections held on Sunday. The EAM reiterated that India would continue cooperation with Bangladesh as a close neighbour while extending her wishes to the Bangladeshi Foreign Minister. "Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali thanked Indian External Affairs Minister for the call. He expressed the hope that both the countries would continue to work together for the benefit of the two peoples," a release issued by Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated. Sunday's elections saw the Awami League-led Grand Alliance securing a landslide victory by winning 288 seats. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) helmed front, on the other hand, suffered a major setback as it only secured seven seats. The new lawmakers are slated to be sworn in on January 3 in Dhaka. However, Members of Parliament (MPs) from BNP will not be taking an oath tomorrow, as the party has rejected election results and has called for fresh elections.

Sushma Swaraj congratulates Bangladesh foreign minister on election victory

A journalist working with a prominent media house in<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/i-will-be-everyones-premier-bangladesh-pm-sheikh-hasina-187730"> Bangladesh</a> was arrested for allegedly publishing "false" information about voting irregularities in the just-concluded <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/western-powers-call-for-probe-into-bangladesh-election-irregularities-violence-187810">parliamentary elections</a>, according to a media report.

Hedait Hossain Molla, associated with Bangla Tribune and Probaho, reported that in Khulna 1 constituency, 22,419 more ballots were cast than the number of registered voters, the Dhaka Tribune quoted the police as saying.

He was arrested on Tuesday in Khulna under the Digital Security Act following an FIR by Khulna's Assistant Returning Officer Debashish Chowdhury, senior police officer Mahbubur Rahman said.

The FIR also named Rashedul Islam, another journalist associated with local daily Manabzamin. He was yet to be arrested.&nbsp;

"Initial investigations suggest that they were based on false information," Inspector Sarkar Ibrahim Sohel, who is in charge of the investigation, said.

He said that the Election Commission was informed before the case was filed.&nbsp;

The arrest of the journalist comes two days after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League and its allies won the general elections, bagging 288 of the total 299 seats which went to the polls.&nbsp;

The jailed ex-premier Khalida Zia-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which won five seats in the 300-member Parliament, has rejected the poll outcome as "farcical" and demanded a fresh election.

The election was marred by violence, in which 17 people died. The opposition BNP rejected the poll outcome as "farcical" and rigged and demanded a fresh election, amid allegations of intimidation.

The Election Commission (EC) ruled out holding fresh polls.&nbsp;

The opposition Jatiya Oikya Front - National Unity Front (NUF) - comprising the BNP and some smaller parties, criticised the EC and accused its chief of being biased.&nbsp;

Hedait Hossain Molla reported that in Khulna 1 constituency, 22,419 more ballots were cast than the number of registered voters, the Dhaka Tribune quoted the police as saying.

A journalist working with a prominent media house in Bangladesh was arrested for allegedly publishing "false" information about voting irregularities in the just-concluded parliamentary elections, according to a media report. Hedait Hossain Molla, associated with Bangla Tribune and Probaho, reported that in Khulna 1 constituency, 22,419 more ballots were cast than the number of registered voters, the Dhaka Tribune quoted the police as saying. He was arrested on Tuesday in Khulna under the Digital Security Act following an FIR by Khulna's Assistant Returning Officer Debashish Chowdhury, senior police officer Mahbubur Rahman said. The FIR also named Rashedul Islam, another journalist associated with local daily Manabzamin. He was yet to be arrested. "Initial investigations suggest that they were based on false information," Inspector Sarkar Ibrahim Sohel, who is in charge of the investigation, said. He said that the Election Commission was informed before the case was filed. The arrest of the journalist comes two days after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's Awami League and its allies won the general elections, bagging 288 of the total 299 seats which went to the polls. The jailed ex-premier Khalida Zia-led Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which won five seats in the 300-member Parliament, has rejected the poll outcome as "farcical" and demanded a fresh election. The election was marred by violence, in which 17 people died. The opposition BNP rejected the poll outcome as "farcical" and rigged and demanded a fresh election, amid allegations of intimidation. The Election Commission (EC) ruled out holding fresh polls. The opposition Jatiya Oikya Front - National Unity Front (NUF) - comprising the BNP and some smaller parties, criticised the EC and accused its chief of being biased.

Journalist arrested in Bangladesh for 'false' reporting on voting irregularities

AIUDF chief and Member of Parliament Maulana Badruddin Ajmal on Wednesday threatened to smash the head of a journalist, who asked him about the prospects of an alliance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in the state.

Ajmal, who represents Dhubri Lok Sabha seat in Assam, allegedly tried to hit the journalist too, while his supporters forced the scribe to tender apologies publicly.

During a press interaction after a function where he felicitated the panchayat election winners of South Salmara district, the journalist asked AIUDF chief if he would ally with the Congress or the BJP in the future.

In response, Ajmal hurled abuse at the journalist "You all are the same who just want to target me. Go dogs. For how much money have you been bought by the BJP? Go, even your father is on sale there. Get out of here or I will smash your head. Go file case against me. I have thousands of men employed to fight for me."

Snapping back at the journalist with a counter-question, the AIUDF chief said, "How much of money will you give? Is this a reporting? Journalists like you defame the entire community."&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal in Hatsingimari, Assam threatens to smash head of journalist who asked him if he'll ally with Congress or BJP in future: Go dogs, for how much money have you been bought by BJP? Go away, I will smash your head. Go register a case against me. <a href="https://t.co/XQvp5mZ4it">pic.twitter.com/XQvp5mZ4it</a>
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The journalist is believed to have filed a complaint with the police against the lawmaker.

However, AIUDF chief informed the media that his party was looking forward to 'Mahagathbandhan,' which is going to take place in New Delhi. "We are looking forward to the formula being worked out under Mahagathbandhan in New Delhi," said Ajmal.

AIUDF chief and Member of Parliament Maulana Badruddin Ajmal on Wednesday threatened to smash the head of a journalist, who asked him about the prospects of an alliance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in the state.

AIUDF chief and Member of Parliament Maulana Badruddin Ajmal on Wednesday threatened to smash the head of a journalist, who asked him about the prospects of an alliance in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls in the state. Ajmal, who represents Dhubri Lok Sabha seat in Assam, allegedly tried to hit the journalist too, while his supporters forced the scribe to tender apologies publicly. During a press interaction after a function where he felicitated the panchayat election winners of South Salmara district, the journalist asked AIUDF chief if he would ally with the Congress or the BJP in the future. In response, Ajmal hurled abuse at the journalist "You all are the same who just want to target me. Go dogs. For how much money have you been bought by the BJP? Go, even your father is on sale there. Get out of here or I will smash your head. Go file case against me. I have thousands of men employed to fight for me." Snapping back at the journalist with a counter-question, the AIUDF chief said, "How much of money will you give? Is this a reporting? Journalists like you defame the entire community." #WATCH AIUDF Chief Badruddin Ajmal in Hatsingimari, Assam threatens to smash head of journalist who asked him if he'll ally with Congress or BJP in future: Go dogs, for how much money have you been bought by BJP? Go away, I will smash your head. Go register a case against me. pic.twitter.com/XQvp5mZ4it — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2018 × The journalist is believed to have filed a complaint with the police against the lawmaker. However, AIUDF chief informed the media that his party was looking forward to 'Mahagathbandhan,' which is going to take place in New Delhi. "We are looking forward to the formula being worked out under Mahagathbandhan in New Delhi," said Ajmal.

'I will smash your head', AIUDF chief threatens journalist, tries to hit him

A near-record number of journalists around the world are behind bars for their work, including two Reuters reporters whose imprisonment in Myanmar has drawn international criticism, according to a report released on Thursday.

There were 251 journalists jailed for doing their jobs as of December 1, the Committee to Protect Journalists said in an annual study. For the third consecutive year, more than half are in Turkey, China and Egypt, where authorities have accused reporters of anti-governmental activities.

"It looks like a trend now," the report's author, Elana Beiser, said in an interview. "It looks like the new normal."

The number of journalists imprisoned on charges of "false news" rose to 28, up from 21 last year and nine in 2016, according to the CPJ, a US-based nonprofit that promotes press freedom.

The report criticised US President Donald Trump for frequently characterizing negative media coverage as "fake news," a phrase that is also used by leaders against their critics in countries like the Philippines and Turkey.

The study was published the same week that Time magazine named several journalists as its annual "Person of the Year."

That group included Reuters reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, who were imprisoned one year ago on Wednesday, and Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul two months ago.

Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, were found guilty in September of violating Myanmar's Official Secrets Act and sentenced to seven years in prison. They had been investigating the massacre of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys amid an army crackdown that has driven hundreds of thousands of refugees into Bangladesh.

Lawyers for the two Reuters reporters have lodged an appeal against their conviction and sentence.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has said the jailing of the reporters had nothing to do with freedom of expression. In comments made the week after their conviction, she said they were sentenced for handling official secrets and "were not jailed because they were journalists."

Turkey remains the world's worst offender against press freedom, the CPJ said, with at least 68 journalists imprisoned for anti-state charges. At least 25 journalists are in prison in Egypt.

Turkey has previously said its crackdown is justified because of an attempted coup to overthrow the government in 2016. Egypt has said its actions to limit dissent are directed at militants trying to undermine the state, which saw a popular uprising in 2011 topple the county's longtime leader Hosni Mubarak.

Asked about journalists being jailed, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said: "Legal measures are not taken because of these suspects' or criminals' professions. This is unrelated."

The overall number of jailed journalists is down 8 per cent from last year's record high of 272, the CPJ said.

The total does not take into account journalists who have disappeared or are being held by non-state actors. The CPJ said there are dozens of reporters missing or kidnapped in the Middle East and North Africa, including several held by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

A near-record number of journalists around the world are behind bars for their work, including two Reuters reporters whose imprisonment in Myanmar has drawn international criticism, according to a report released on Thursday.

A near-record number of journalists around the world are behind bars for their work, including two Reuters reporters whose imprisonment in Myanmar has drawn international criticism, according to a report released on Thursday. There were 251 journalists jailed for doing their jobs as of December 1, the Committee to Protect Journalists said in an annual study. For the third consecutive year, more than half are in Turkey, China and Egypt, where authorities have accused reporters of anti-governmental activities. "It looks like a trend now," the report's author, Elana Beiser, said in an interview. "It looks like the new normal." The number of journalists imprisoned on charges of "false news" rose to 28, up from 21 last year and nine in 2016, according to the CPJ, a US-based nonprofit that promotes press freedom. The report criticised US President Donald Trump for frequently characterizing negative media coverage as "fake news," a phrase that is also used by leaders against their critics in countries like the Philippines and Turkey. The study was published the same week that Time magazine named several journalists as its annual "Person of the Year." That group included Reuters reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo, who were imprisoned one year ago on Wednesday, and Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul two months ago. Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, were found guilty in September of violating Myanmar's Official Secrets Act and sentenced to seven years in prison. They had been investigating the massacre of 10 Rohingya Muslim men and boys amid an army crackdown that has driven hundreds of thousands of refugees into Bangladesh. Lawyers for the two Reuters reporters have lodged an appeal against their conviction and sentence. Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi has said the jailing of the reporters had nothing to do with freedom of expression. In comments made the week after their conviction, she said they were sentenced for handling official secrets and "were not jailed because they were journalists." Turkey remains the world's worst offender against press freedom, the CPJ said, with at least 68 journalists imprisoned for anti-state charges. At least 25 journalists are in prison in Egypt. Turkey has previously said its crackdown is justified because of an attempted coup to overthrow the government in 2016. Egypt has said its actions to limit dissent are directed at militants trying to undermine the state, which saw a popular uprising in 2011 topple the county's longtime leader Hosni Mubarak. Asked about journalists being jailed, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said: "Legal measures are not taken because of these suspects' or criminals' professions. This is unrelated." The overall number of jailed journalists is down 8 per cent from last year's record high of 272, the CPJ said. The total does not take into account journalists who have disappeared or are being held by non-state actors. The CPJ said there are dozens of reporters missing or kidnapped in the Middle East and North Africa, including several held by Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Number of journalists jailed for doing job near record high: Report

President Donald Trump vowed on Tuesday to remain a "steadfast partner" of Saudi Arabia despite saying that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/we-do-not-know-where-jamal-khashoggis-body-is-saudi-arabia-172683">Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman</a> may have known about the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/im-suffocating-take-this-bag-off-my-head-jamal-khashoggis-last-words-176839">plan to murder </a>dissident journalist <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-says-us-to-report-who-killed-jamal-khashoggi-in-next-two-days-177935">Jamal Khashoggi</a> last month.

Defying intense pressure from US lawmakers to impose tougher sanctions on Saudi Arabia, Trump also said he would not cancel military contracts with the kingdom, claiming it would be a "foolish" move that would only benefit Russia and China.

Trump said US intelligence agencies were still studying the evidence around Khashoggi`s murder inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2 and who planned it. Since the murder, Trump has taken varying positions on how to react, including possible sanctions.

"It could very well be that the Crown Prince had knowledge of this tragic event – maybe he did and maybe he didn`t!" Trump said in a statement issued by the White House.

His comments contradicted the Central Intelligence Agency, (CIA), which believes Khashoggi`s death was ordered directly by the crown prince, Saudi Arabia`s de facto ruler widely known by his initials MbS.

Trump was quickly accused by Democratic lawmakers of undermining his own intelligence agencies and failing to confront Saudi Arabia over a human rights atrocity.

"Human rights are more than just a phrase, it has to mean something. And that means standing up and condemning a brazen murder by a foreign government. Everyone who played a role in this killing must be held accountable," Senator Dianne Feinstein said.

Democratic and Republican lawmakers have urged Trump to drop his support for MbS over the Khashoggi case, but the president has been reluctant.

Trump said on Tuesday that both Saudi Arabia`s King Salman and MbS "vigorously deny any knowledge of the planning or execution of the murder," and that the truth may never be known.

He also stressed that Saudi Arabia, a major oil producer, is an important business partner and a "great ally" in the fight against Iranian power in the Middle East.

"The United States intends to remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia to ensure the interests of our country, Israel and all other partners in the region," Trump said.

On Twitter, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said of the statement: "Mr Trump bizarrely devotes the FIRST paragraph of his shameful statement on Saudi atrocities to accuse IRAN of every sort of malfeasance he can think of."

Congressman Adam Schiff, who is expected to become the leader of the House of Representatives` Intelligence Committee in January, said the United States should immediately end support for Saudi Arabia in the Yemen war, suspend arms sales to the kingdom, and reduce its reliance on Riyadh in the Middle East.

"The president adds to his track record of ignoring his own intelligence agencies and undermining American values at home and abroad, by giving Saudi Arabia a pass for the brutal and premeditated murder of a US resident and journalist. Outrageous," Democratic Senator Dick Durbin said.

REPUBLICANS' CRITICISM

Some of Trump`s fellow Republicans have also vowed to break with him and push for firmer U.S. action against Saudi Arabia.

Representative Francis Rooney, a Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Washington should apply the so-called Magnitsky Act to those responsible for Khashoggi`s death.

The legislation hits human rights violators with freezes on U.S. assets, U.S. travel bans, and prohibitions on Americans doing business with them. 
Trump has placed the alliance with Saudi Arabia at the heart of his Middle East policy, and it was the first country he visited after becoming president in 2017.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a sometime Trump ally, said there will be bipartisan support for sanctions against Saudi Arabia, "including appropriate members of the royal family, for this barbaric act which defied all civilized norms."

"While Saudi Arabia is a strategic ally, the behaviour of the crown prince – in multiple ways – has shown disrespect for the relationship and made him, in my view, beyond toxic," Graham said.

Trump`s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has developed a close relationship with MbS, and both he and Trump have tried to maintain the alliance. 
Trump said on Tuesday he would not suspend arms sales to Riyadh.

"If we foolishly cancel these contracts, Russia and China would be the enormous beneficiaries - and very happy to acquire all of this newfound business. It would be a wonderful gift to them directly from the United States!" Trump said.

Representative Eliot Engel, who has the power to block arms deals as the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the United States should use its ability to sell weapons to the Saudis as leverage to influence Riyadh`s behaviour.

"The reality is that the Saudis couldn’t simply buy their weapons somewhere else," Engel said in a statement. "It would take years for the Saudi military to re-equip with Russian or Chinese weapons."

When Trump mentions the $110 billion package with Riyadh last year, he often adds that "it's 500,000 jobs."

But arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin Corp predicts the deal could create nearly 10,000 new jobs in Saudi Arabia while keeping up to 18,000 existing US workers busy if the whole package comes together - an outcome industry experts say is unlikely.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended Trump's support for Saudi Arabia. The United States was obligated to adopt policies that furthered US national security interests, Pompeo told a news conference following a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Washington.

Cavusoglu said that Turkey is not entirely satisfied with the level of cooperation it is receiving from Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi's murder and may seek a formal United Nations inquiry.

President Donald Trump vowed on Tuesday to remain a "steadfast partner" of Saudi Arabia despite saying that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may have known about the plan to murder dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi last month.

President Donald Trump vowed on Tuesday to remain a "steadfast partner" of Saudi Arabia despite saying that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman may have known about the plan to murder dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi last month. Defying intense pressure from US lawmakers to impose tougher sanctions on Saudi Arabia, Trump also said he would not cancel military contracts with the kingdom, claiming it would be a "foolish" move that would only benefit Russia and China. Trump said US intelligence agencies were still studying the evidence around Khashoggi`s murder inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2 and who planned it. Since the murder, Trump has taken varying positions on how to react, including possible sanctions. "It could very well be that the Crown Prince had knowledge of this tragic event – maybe he did and maybe he didn`t!" Trump said in a statement issued by the White House. His comments contradicted the Central Intelligence Agency, (CIA), which believes Khashoggi`s death was ordered directly by the crown prince, Saudi Arabia`s de facto ruler widely known by his initials MbS. Trump was quickly accused by Democratic lawmakers of undermining his own intelligence agencies and failing to confront Saudi Arabia over a human rights atrocity. "Human rights are more than just a phrase, it has to mean something. And that means standing up and condemning a brazen murder by a foreign government. Everyone who played a role in this killing must be held accountable," Senator Dianne Feinstein said. Democratic and Republican lawmakers have urged Trump to drop his support for MbS over the Khashoggi case, but the president has been reluctant. Trump said on Tuesday that both Saudi Arabia`s King Salman and MbS "vigorously deny any knowledge of the planning or execution of the murder," and that the truth may never be known. He also stressed that Saudi Arabia, a major oil producer, is an important business partner and a "great ally" in the fight against Iranian power in the Middle East. "The United States intends to remain a steadfast partner of Saudi Arabia to ensure the interests of our country, Israel and all other partners in the region," Trump said. On Twitter, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said of the statement: "Mr Trump bizarrely devotes the FIRST paragraph of his shameful statement on Saudi atrocities to accuse IRAN of every sort of malfeasance he can think of." Congressman Adam Schiff, who is expected to become the leader of the House of Representatives` Intelligence Committee in January, said the United States should immediately end support for Saudi Arabia in the Yemen war, suspend arms sales to the kingdom, and reduce its reliance on Riyadh in the Middle East. "The president adds to his track record of ignoring his own intelligence agencies and undermining American values at home and abroad, by giving Saudi Arabia a pass for the brutal and premeditated murder of a US resident and journalist. Outrageous," Democratic Senator Dick Durbin said. REPUBLICANS' CRITICISM Some of Trump`s fellow Republicans have also vowed to break with him and push for firmer U.S. action against Saudi Arabia. Representative Francis Rooney, a Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said Washington should apply the so-called Magnitsky Act to those responsible for Khashoggi`s death. The legislation hits human rights violators with freezes on U.S. assets, U.S. travel bans, and prohibitions on Americans doing business with them. Trump has placed the alliance with Saudi Arabia at the heart of his Middle East policy, and it was the first country he visited after becoming president in 2017. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a sometime Trump ally, said there will be bipartisan support for sanctions against Saudi Arabia, "including appropriate members of the royal family, for this barbaric act which defied all civilized norms." "While Saudi Arabia is a strategic ally, the behaviour of the crown prince – in multiple ways – has shown disrespect for the relationship and made him, in my view, beyond toxic," Graham said. Trump`s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, has developed a close relationship with MbS, and both he and Trump have tried to maintain the alliance. Trump said on Tuesday he would not suspend arms sales to Riyadh. "If we foolishly cancel these contracts, Russia and China would be the enormous beneficiaries - and very happy to acquire all of this newfound business. It would be a wonderful gift to them directly from the United States!" Trump said. Representative Eliot Engel, who has the power to block arms deals as the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said the United States should use its ability to sell weapons to the Saudis as leverage to influence Riyadh`s behaviour. "The reality is that the Saudis couldn’t simply buy their weapons somewhere else," Engel said in a statement. "It would take years for the Saudi military to re-equip with Russian or Chinese weapons." When Trump mentions the $110 billion package with Riyadh last year, he often adds that "it's 500,000 jobs." But arms manufacturer Lockheed Martin Corp predicts the deal could create nearly 10,000 new jobs in Saudi Arabia while keeping up to 18,000 existing US workers busy if the whole package comes together - an outcome industry experts say is unlikely. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo defended Trump's support for Saudi Arabia. The United States was obligated to adopt policies that furthered US national security interests, Pompeo told a news conference following a meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu in Washington. Cavusoglu said that Turkey is not entirely satisfied with the level of cooperation it is receiving from Saudi Arabia over Khashoggi's murder and may seek a formal United Nations inquiry.

Donald Trump stands by Saudi prince despite journalist Khashoggi's murder

Video journalist dies in Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh

The eldest son of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Salah, and his family have left the Gulf kingdom for Washington after the government lifted a travel ban, Human Rights Watch said Thursday.

Salah Khashoggi's departure came after he was photographed on Tuesday with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a condolence visit, staring coldly as the pair shook hands.

"Salah and his family are on a plane to (Washington) DC," Sarah Leah Whitson, the rights watchdog's executive director for the Middle East and North Africa, told AFP, citing a family friend.

Saudi Arabia's pro-government Okaz newspaper said Salah -- a dual US-Saudi citizen -- departed the kingdom on Wednesday, without offering any details.

Saudi officials did not respond to requests for comment, but Whitson said that they were apparently allowed to leave after a travel ban on Salah was lifted. 
Salah will join his other siblings who are based in the US, friends of the family told AFP.

"Jamal's family needs a place to be together where they feel safe to mourn their beloved one," said Randa Slim, director of conflict resolution at the Washington-based Middle East Institute, who knew the slain journalist personally.

"It is tragic that it took his death to get the Saudi authorities to grant them the freedom to travel," Slim told AFP.

An official in Washington said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had "raised the safety and security of the Khashoggi family members with the Saudi leadership", but declined to discuss the specifics of Salah's travel.

Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor, was killed on October 2 after a visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to obtain paperwork before marrying his Turkish fiancee.

After first insisting Khashoggi left the consulate unharmed, Saudi authorities said he was killed in an argument that degenerated into a brawl.

Riyadh finally accepted on Thursday what Turkey had said virtually from the start -- that he was killed in a premeditated hit.

Saudi King Salman and Prince Mohammed met Salah and Khashoggi's brother Sahel at the royal palace in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The photo of the handshake with Prince Mohammed, who has faced a torrent of global criticism over the killing, went viral on social media, where rights activists demanded the immediate lifting of the travel ban.

Whitson said the end of travel restrictions on Salah had come as a huge relief. 
But she added: "We should keep in mind there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people in Saudi Arabia who face travel bans and are held in detention without any justice."

Saudi Arabia has sought to draw a line under the crisis over Khashoggi's murder, but has come under mounting pressure from sceptical world powers demanding answers and the whereabouts of his body.

US President Donald Trump has derided the killing as "one of the worst cover-ups" in history.

The eldest son of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Salah, and his family have left the Gulf kingdom for Washington after the government lifted a travel ban, Human Rights Watch said Thursday.

The eldest son of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Salah, and his family have left the Gulf kingdom for Washington after the government lifted a travel ban, Human Rights Watch said Thursday. Salah Khashoggi's departure came after he was photographed on Tuesday with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a condolence visit, staring coldly as the pair shook hands. "Salah and his family are on a plane to (Washington) DC," Sarah Leah Whitson, the rights watchdog's executive director for the Middle East and North Africa, told AFP, citing a family friend. Saudi Arabia's pro-government Okaz newspaper said Salah -- a dual US-Saudi citizen -- departed the kingdom on Wednesday, without offering any details. Saudi officials did not respond to requests for comment, but Whitson said that they were apparently allowed to leave after a travel ban on Salah was lifted. Salah will join his other siblings who are based in the US, friends of the family told AFP. "Jamal's family needs a place to be together where they feel safe to mourn their beloved one," said Randa Slim, director of conflict resolution at the Washington-based Middle East Institute, who knew the slain journalist personally. "It is tragic that it took his death to get the Saudi authorities to grant them the freedom to travel," Slim told AFP. An official in Washington said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had "raised the safety and security of the Khashoggi family members with the Saudi leadership", but declined to discuss the specifics of Salah's travel. Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post contributor, was killed on October 2 after a visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to obtain paperwork before marrying his Turkish fiancee. After first insisting Khashoggi left the consulate unharmed, Saudi authorities said he was killed in an argument that degenerated into a brawl. Riyadh finally accepted on Thursday what Turkey had said virtually from the start -- that he was killed in a premeditated hit. Saudi King Salman and Prince Mohammed met Salah and Khashoggi's brother Sahel at the royal palace in Riyadh on Tuesday. The photo of the handshake with Prince Mohammed, who has faced a torrent of global criticism over the killing, went viral on social media, where rights activists demanded the immediate lifting of the travel ban. Whitson said the end of travel restrictions on Salah had come as a huge relief. But she added: "We should keep in mind there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people in Saudi Arabia who face travel bans and are held in detention without any justice." Saudi Arabia has sought to draw a line under the crisis over Khashoggi's murder, but has come under mounting pressure from sceptical world powers demanding answers and the whereabouts of his body. US President Donald Trump has derided the killing as "one of the worst cover-ups" in history.

Khashoggi's son leaves Saudi Arabia for US after govt lifts travel ban

US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday said he would no longer attend next week’s investment conference in Saudi Arabia, as the Trump administration awaited the outcome of investigations into missing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Mnuchin announced the decision in a post on Twitter following a meeting with President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who recently returned from meetings with top leaders in Riyadh and Ankara.

“Just met with @realDonaldTrump and @SecPompeo and we have decided, I will not be participating in the Future Investment Initiative summit in Saudi Arabia,” Mnuchin wrote on Twitter.

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Just met with <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/SecPompeo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecPompeo</a> and we have decided, I will not be participating in the Future Investment Initiative summit in Saudi Arabia.
— Steven Mnuchin (@stevenmnuchin1) <a href="https://twitter.com/stevenmnuchin1/status/1052944784355205120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The Saudis have said they plan to move forward with the conference, scheduled for October&nbsp;23-25, despite a wave of cancellations by high-profile business, government and media leaders.

Mnuchin’s withdrawal comes after top financial, trade and foreign officials from Britain, France, Germany and the Netherlands also dropped out.

Trump has urged patience in the wake of US-based Khashoggi’s disappearance earlier this month during a visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and said he took the matter seriously.

Turkish officials have said they believe Khashoggi - a Washington Post columnist who was a strong critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - was murdered at the consulate and his body chopped up and removed.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday said he would no longer attend next week’s investment conference in Saudi Arabia, as the Trump administration awaited the outcome of investigations into missing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin on Thursday said he would no longer attend next week’s investment conference in Saudi Arabia, as the Trump administration awaited the outcome of investigations into missing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Mnuchin announced the decision in a post on Twitter following a meeting with President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who recently returned from meetings with top leaders in Riyadh and Ankara. “Just met with @realDonaldTrump and @SecPompeo and we have decided, I will not be participating in the Future Investment Initiative summit in Saudi Arabia,” Mnuchin wrote on Twitter. Just met with @realDonaldTrump and @SecPompeo and we have decided, I will not be participating in the Future Investment Initiative summit in Saudi Arabia. — Steven Mnuchin (@stevenmnuchin1) October 18, 2018 × The Saudis have said they plan to move forward with the conference, scheduled for October 23-25, despite a wave of cancellations by high-profile business, government and media leaders. Mnuchin’s withdrawal comes after top financial, trade and foreign officials from Britain, France, Germany and the Netherlands also dropped out. Trump has urged patience in the wake of US-based Khashoggi’s disappearance earlier this month during a visit to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, and said he took the matter seriously. Turkish officials have said they believe Khashoggi - a Washington Post columnist who was a strong critic of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - was murdered at the consulate and his body chopped up and removed.

US Treasury Secretary Mnuchin withdraws from Saudi conference

President Donald Trump said Thursday he now believes journalist Jamal Khashoggi is dead and warned of "very severe" consequences should Saudi Arabia be proven responsible.

"It certainly looks that way to me. It's very sad," Trump told journalists when asked if he believed that Khashoggi, who disappeared more than two weeks ago, is no longer alive.

Asked about the potential US response to Saudi Arabia, which is accused of murdering the Washington Post columnist and critic of the Saudi regime, Trump said: "It will have to be very severe. It's bad, bad stuff."

This marked a hardening of tone from the Trump administration, which has been reluctant to blame ally Saudi Arabia, despite mounting evidence that the kingdom's agents killed and dismembered Khashoggi inside its consulate in Istanbul more than two weeks ago.

A former regime insider, Khashoggi had become a critic of powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the point man in ever-tightening military and commercial relations between the petro-state and the Trump administration.

Just hours earlier, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he had told Trump the Saudis should be given "a few more days to complete" an investigation.

Only then, Pompeo said, "we can make decisions how or if the United States should respond."

In a possible sign of how the Saudis will seek to defuse the diplomatic crisis, The New York Times reported that the country's rulers could come out and blame General Ahmed al-Assiri, a top intelligence official close to the crown prince.

Call for UN probe&nbsp;

Four prominent human rights and press freedom groups on Thursday urged Turkey to request a United Nations investigation to prevent a "whitewash" of the alleged crime.

The Committee to Protect Journalists, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders said such a probe established by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would finally clear up the affair.

But the United States, the Saudis' most powerful patron, has repeatedly given the country's royals the benefit of the doubt, with Trump and top officials stressing that the US-Saudi relationship cannot be put at risk.

Trump has repeatedly praised massive Saudi arms purchases, while Pompeo used much of his brief remarks on Thursday to recall Washington's "long strategic relationship with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

The Saudis "continue to be an important counter-terrorism partner, they have custody of the two holy sites... We need to be mindful of that as well," he said.

Market takes a hit&nbsp;

The furor has also blown a hole in next week's Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh, which was meant to showcase Prince Mohammed's plans for modernizing the desert kingdom.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he was pulling out, joining senior ministers from Britain, France and the Netherlands, as well as a string of corporate leaders.

Mnuchin's announcement on Twitter helped push down stock prices on Wall Street.

His withdrawal "raises worry that the administration is being pushed to take a harder line against Saudi Arabia over the Khashoggi murder and there could be retaliation," said Karl Haeling of LBBW.

Responses from Saudi Arabia could include selling US Treasuries, or punishing US companies seeking business in the kingdom, Haeling said.

Most analysts don't think Saudi Arabia would cut off oil supplies.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, took a dig at Washington, saying that "the US holds a certain responsibility over what happened to him."

But he said Moscow would not "start deteriorating relations" with Saudi Arabia as long as "it did not know what really happened."

Gory details&nbsp;

Neither Turkey nor the United States has publicly confirmed that Khashoggi is dead or said officially that Riyadh is to blame.

But a steady stream of unconfirmed leaks from officials to Turkish media have painted a detailed and horrifying picture of Khashoggi's last minutes, allegedly at the hands of 15 Saudi agents waiting for him when he came to the consulate for paperwork.

The pro-government Yeni Safak newspaper on Wednesday claimed it had heard audio tapes in which Khashoggi's alleged killers tortured him by cutting his fingers off before his decapitation.

The pro-government Sabah newspaper on Thursday said Saudi security official Maher Abdulaziz Mutreb, believed to be close to the crown prince, was the leader of the operation.

"Here is the head of the execution team," said Sabah's headline, and the paper then detailed Mutreb's movements on the day Khashoggi went missing.

President Donald Trump said Thursday he now believes journalist Jamal Khashoggi is dead and warned of "very severe" consequences should Saudi Arabia be proven responsible.

President Donald Trump said Thursday he now believes journalist Jamal Khashoggi is dead and warned of "very severe" consequences should Saudi Arabia be proven responsible. "It certainly looks that way to me. It's very sad," Trump told journalists when asked if he believed that Khashoggi, who disappeared more than two weeks ago, is no longer alive. Asked about the potential US response to Saudi Arabia, which is accused of murdering the Washington Post columnist and critic of the Saudi regime, Trump said: "It will have to be very severe. It's bad, bad stuff." This marked a hardening of tone from the Trump administration, which has been reluctant to blame ally Saudi Arabia, despite mounting evidence that the kingdom's agents killed and dismembered Khashoggi inside its consulate in Istanbul more than two weeks ago. A former regime insider, Khashoggi had become a critic of powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the point man in ever-tightening military and commercial relations between the petro-state and the Trump administration. Just hours earlier, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he had told Trump the Saudis should be given "a few more days to complete" an investigation. Only then, Pompeo said, "we can make decisions how or if the United States should respond." In a possible sign of how the Saudis will seek to defuse the diplomatic crisis, The New York Times reported that the country's rulers could come out and blame General Ahmed al-Assiri, a top intelligence official close to the crown prince. Call for UN probe Four prominent human rights and press freedom groups on Thursday urged Turkey to request a United Nations investigation to prevent a "whitewash" of the alleged crime. The Committee to Protect Journalists, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders said such a probe established by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would finally clear up the affair. But the United States, the Saudis' most powerful patron, has repeatedly given the country's royals the benefit of the doubt, with Trump and top officials stressing that the US-Saudi relationship cannot be put at risk. Trump has repeatedly praised massive Saudi arms purchases, while Pompeo used much of his brief remarks on Thursday to recall Washington's "long strategic relationship with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia." The Saudis "continue to be an important counter-terrorism partner, they have custody of the two holy sites... We need to be mindful of that as well," he said. Market takes a hit The furor has also blown a hole in next week's Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh, which was meant to showcase Prince Mohammed's plans for modernizing the desert kingdom. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he was pulling out, joining senior ministers from Britain, France and the Netherlands, as well as a string of corporate leaders. Mnuchin's announcement on Twitter helped push down stock prices on Wall Street. His withdrawal "raises worry that the administration is being pushed to take a harder line against Saudi Arabia over the Khashoggi murder and there could be retaliation," said Karl Haeling of LBBW. Responses from Saudi Arabia could include selling US Treasuries, or punishing US companies seeking business in the kingdom, Haeling said. Most analysts don't think Saudi Arabia would cut off oil supplies. Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, took a dig at Washington, saying that "the US holds a certain responsibility over what happened to him." But he said Moscow would not "start deteriorating relations" with Saudi Arabia as long as "it did not know what really happened." Gory details Neither Turkey nor the United States has publicly confirmed that Khashoggi is dead or said officially that Riyadh is to blame. But a steady stream of unconfirmed leaks from officials to Turkish media have painted a detailed and horrifying picture of Khashoggi's last minutes, allegedly at the hands of 15 Saudi agents waiting for him when he came to the consulate for paperwork. The pro-government Yeni Safak newspaper on Wednesday claimed it had heard audio tapes in which Khashoggi's alleged killers tortured him by cutting his fingers off before his decapitation. The pro-government Sabah newspaper on Thursday said Saudi security official Maher Abdulaziz Mutreb, believed to be close to the crown prince, was the leader of the operation. "Here is the head of the execution team," said Sabah's headline, and the paper then detailed Mutreb's movements on the day Khashoggi went missing.

Trump says Saudi journalist likely dead, warns of 'severe' response

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump on Thursday expressed confidence in intelligence reports that suggest a high-level Saudi role in the suspected killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

In an interview with the New York Times, Trump said, however, it was still "a little bit early" to draw definitive conclusions about who may have been behind it.

Trump met for less than an hour with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who gave the president an update on his talks this week with Saudi and Turkish officials about the Khashoggi case amid concern that the journalist was killed in the consulate after entering it on Oct. 2.

Pompeo told reporters after his talks with Trump that he made clear to the Saudis in his visit to Riyadh that "we take this matter with respect to Mr. Khashoggi very seriously."

"They made clear to me that they too understand the serious nature of the disappearance of Mr. Khashoggi. They also assured me that they will conduct a complete, thorough investigation of all of the facts surrounding Mr. Khashoggi and that they will do so in a timely fashion," Pompeo added.

Pompeo said he told Trump that "we ought to give them a few more days to complete" their investigation in order to get a full understanding of what happened "at which point we can make decisions about how - or if - the United States should respond to the incident surrounding Mr. Khashoggi."

"I think it's important for us all to remember to, we have a long - since 1932 - a long strategic relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," Pompeo added.

Meanwhile, four prominent human rights and press freedom groups on Thursday urged Turkey to request a United Nations investigation into the possible murder of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi to prevent a "whitewash" of the alleged crime.

The Committee to Protect Journalists, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders said such a probe established by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would shed light on the fate of the prominent journalist.

Turkish officials have said they believe Khashoggi - a US&nbsp;resident and Washington Post columnist who was a strong critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - was murdered at the consulate and his body chopped up and removed.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday expressed confidence in intelligence reports that suggest a high-level Saudi role in the suspected killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday expressed confidence in intelligence reports that suggest a high-level Saudi role in the suspected killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. In an interview with the New York Times, Trump said, however, it was still "a little bit early" to draw definitive conclusions about who may have been behind it. Trump met for less than an hour with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who gave the president an update on his talks this week with Saudi and Turkish officials about the Khashoggi case amid concern that the journalist was killed in the consulate after entering it on Oct. 2. Pompeo told reporters after his talks with Trump that he made clear to the Saudis in his visit to Riyadh that "we take this matter with respect to Mr. Khashoggi very seriously." "They made clear to me that they too understand the serious nature of the disappearance of Mr. Khashoggi. They also assured me that they will conduct a complete, thorough investigation of all of the facts surrounding Mr. Khashoggi and that they will do so in a timely fashion," Pompeo added. Pompeo said he told Trump that "we ought to give them a few more days to complete" their investigation in order to get a full understanding of what happened "at which point we can make decisions about how - or if - the United States should respond to the incident surrounding Mr. Khashoggi." "I think it's important for us all to remember to, we have a long - since 1932 - a long strategic relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia," Pompeo added. Meanwhile, four prominent human rights and press freedom groups on Thursday urged Turkey to request a United Nations investigation into the possible murder of Saudi dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi to prevent a "whitewash" of the alleged crime. The Committee to Protect Journalists, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders said such a probe established by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would shed light on the fate of the prominent journalist. Turkish officials have said they believe Khashoggi - a US resident and Washington Post columnist who was a strong critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - was murdered at the consulate and his body chopped up and removed.

Trump says too early to assign blame in Khashoggi's apparent killing

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Friday that allegations regarding the case of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi would be totally unacceptable if true but any response by Britain would be "considered".

"Part of our reaction will depend on the Saudi reaction, and whether we sense that they are taking it as seriously as we are taking it. But this is a very, very serious matter," Hunt told BBC radio.

"Our relationship with Saudi is a strategic relationship as well. Our response will be considered... (but) in the end, if these stories are true, we have to be absolutely clear, it would not be consistent with our values."

Turkish officials have said they believe Khashoggi was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Riyadh denies the allegations.

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Friday that allegations regarding the case of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi would be totally unacceptable if true but any response by Britain would be "considered".

British foreign minister Jeremy Hunt said on Friday that allegations regarding the case of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi would be totally unacceptable if true but any response by Britain would be "considered". "Part of our reaction will depend on the Saudi reaction, and whether we sense that they are taking it as seriously as we are taking it. But this is a very, very serious matter," Hunt told BBC radio. "Our relationship with Saudi is a strategic relationship as well. Our response will be considered... (but) in the end, if these stories are true, we have to be absolutely clear, it would not be consistent with our values." Turkish officials have said they believe Khashoggi was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Riyadh denies the allegations.

UK says any response over Khashoggi case would be 'considered'

Turkey's foreign minister on Saturday accused Saudi Arabia of so far failing to cooperate in the probe into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at its consulate in Istanbul and called on Riyadh to grant access to Turkish investigators.

"We still have not seen cooperation in order to ensure a smooth investigation and bring everything to light. We want to see this," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quoted as saying by state-run Anadolu news agency, adding that Riyadh must let Turkish "prosecutors and experts enter the consulate". 
&nbsp;

Turkey's foreign minister on Saturday accused Saudi Arabia of so far failing to cooperate in the probe into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at its consulate in Istanbul and called on Riyadh to grant access to Turkish investigators.

Turkey's foreign minister on Saturday accused Saudi Arabia of so far failing to cooperate in the probe into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at its consulate in Istanbul and called on Riyadh to grant access to Turkish investigators. "We still have not seen cooperation in order to ensure a smooth investigation and bring everything to light. We want to see this," Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quoted as saying by state-run Anadolu news agency, adding that Riyadh must let Turkish "prosecutors and experts enter the consulate".

Turkey says Saudis not cooperating in missing journalist probe

Saudi Arabia has welcomed a joint investigation with Turkey into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

The country had earlier requested Turkey to form a bilateral level team to investigate the murder of Khashoggi.

A Saudi official source said it was "a positive move" that Turkey had agreed to a Saudi request to form "a bilateral expert-level Joint Action Team to disclose the merits of the Saudi national Jamal bin Ahmed Hamza Khashoggi's disappearance," SPA said.&nbsp;

According to media reports, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-claims-to-have-audio-video-recordings-to-prove-journalist-jamal-khashoggis-murder-171096">Turkey possesses audio and video recordings </a>that prove the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi took place inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

A media report quoted a source as saying that the evidence Turkey has, shows signs of assault and struggle inside the consulate.

Senior journalist Khashoggi, 59, who is a strong critic of the Saudi establishment had taken US citizenship after leaving his country and had written several articles against Saudi Arabia's repressive policies for the Washington Post.

The New York Times revealed on Wednesday that a group of 15 men flew down to Turkey in a private jet in order to kill Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Turkey. The Turkish government openly accused Saudi Arabia of colluding to kill the journalist.

The journalist had entered the Saudi consulate to submit documents seeking a divorce from his wife living in Saudi Arabia so that he could remarry again in Turkey.

Saudi Arabia has denied any hand in Khashoggi's disappearance asserting that he walked out of the consulate from the back door. However, his fiance, Hatice Cengiz, who accompanied him to the consulate on October 2 said he never came out of the consulate as she waited outside.

Turkey had earlier asked Saudi Arabia to present evidence to prove that the missing journalist had left the consulate.

Turkey on Thursday denied a claim by US President Donald Trump that American investigators were collectively working with both Ankara and Riyadh to probe the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

(With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia has welcomed a joint investigation with Turkey into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The country had earlier requested Turkey to form a bilateral level team to investigate the murder of Khashoggi.

Saudi Arabia has welcomed a joint investigation with Turkey into the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The country had earlier requested Turkey to form a bilateral level team to investigate the murder of Khashoggi. A Saudi official source said it was "a positive move" that Turkey had agreed to a Saudi request to form "a bilateral expert-level Joint Action Team to disclose the merits of the Saudi national Jamal bin Ahmed Hamza Khashoggi's disappearance," SPA said. According to media reports, Turkey possesses audio and video recordings that prove the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi took place inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. A media report quoted a source as saying that the evidence Turkey has, shows signs of assault and struggle inside the consulate. Senior journalist Khashoggi, 59, who is a strong critic of the Saudi establishment had taken US citizenship after leaving his country and had written several articles against Saudi Arabia's repressive policies for the Washington Post. The New York Times revealed on Wednesday that a group of 15 men flew down to Turkey in a private jet in order to kill Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Turkey. The Turkish government openly accused Saudi Arabia of colluding to kill the journalist. The journalist had entered the Saudi consulate to submit documents seeking a divorce from his wife living in Saudi Arabia so that he could remarry again in Turkey. Saudi Arabia has denied any hand in Khashoggi's disappearance asserting that he walked out of the consulate from the back door. However, his fiance, Hatice Cengiz, who accompanied him to the consulate on October 2 said he never came out of the consulate as she waited outside. Turkey had earlier asked Saudi Arabia to present evidence to prove that the missing journalist had left the consulate. Turkey on Thursday denied a claim by US President Donald Trump that American investigators were collectively working with both Ankara and Riyadh to probe the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudis welcome joint Turkey probe into missing journalist Jamal Khashoggi

Britain's foreign secretary has warned Saudi Arabia of "serious consequences" in case the speculations made by Turkish officials that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-journalist-was-killed-by-15-man-hit-team-that-then-dismembered-his-body-with-bone-saw-nyt-170659">journalist Jamal Khashoggi</a> was murdered after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul comes out to be true.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said, "People who have long thought of themselves as Saudi's friends are saying this is a very, very serious matter. If these allegations are true, there will be serious consequences because our friendships and our partnerships are based on shared values".

Earlier today Turkish President Recep Tayyip <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/erdogan-trump-step-up-pressure-over-missing-saudi-journalist-170893">Erdogan and US President Donald Trump also demanded an answer from Saudi Arabia</a> over the sudden disappearance of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

While the Turkish President urged Saudi Arabia to release footage of the journalist, President Donald Trump demanded answers over his fate.

The Washington Post, the daily to which Khashoggi was a contributor, added to the mystery by reporting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had ordered an operation to "lure" the critical journalist back home.

Khashoggi has not been seen since October 2 when he went to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to obtain official documents for his upcoming marriage. Turkish officials quoted in media have said he was killed but Riyadh denies that.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's foreign secretary has warned Saudi Arabia of "serious consequences" in case the speculations made by Turkish officials that journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul comes out to be true.

Britain's foreign secretary has warned Saudi Arabia of "serious consequences" in case the speculations made by Turkish officials that journalist Jamal Khashoggi was murdered after entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul comes out to be true. Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said, "People who have long thought of themselves as Saudi's friends are saying this is a very, very serious matter. If these allegations are true, there will be serious consequences because our friendships and our partnerships are based on shared values". Earlier today Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump also demanded an answer from Saudi Arabia over the sudden disappearance of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi. While the Turkish President urged Saudi Arabia to release footage of the journalist, President Donald Trump demanded answers over his fate. The Washington Post, the daily to which Khashoggi was a contributor, added to the mystery by reporting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had ordered an operation to "lure" the critical journalist back home. Khashoggi has not been seen since October 2 when he went to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to obtain official documents for his upcoming marriage. Turkish officials quoted in media have said he was killed but Riyadh denies that. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia faces 'serious consequences' if Khashoggi claims turns out to be true: UK

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-yameens-party-challenges-election-results-in-maldives-supreme-court-170671">President Yameen's party challenges election results in Maldives Supreme Court</a>

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party today filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month. Yameen's U-turn comes after he conceded defeat to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih-led Opposition parties. Yameen had earlier said he had met Solih and congratulated him on his election victory.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">Severe cyclonic storm '</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">Titli</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">' to hit Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast tomorrow at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">wind</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648"> speed of 145 </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/severe-cyclonic-storm-titli-to-hit-odisha-ap-coast-tomorrow-at-wind-speed-of-145-kmph-170648">kmph</a>

Cyclone 'Titli' over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a severe cyclonic storm Wednesday and is moving towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast, triggering rainfall in several parts of Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-journalist-was-killed-by-15-man-hit-team-that-then-dismembered-his-body-with-bone-saw-nyt-170659">Journalist Khashoggi was killed by Saudi 'hit team' that then dismembered his body with </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-journalist-was-killed-by-15-man-hit-team-that-then-dismembered-his-body-with-bone-saw-nyt-170659">bone</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-journalist-was-killed-by-15-man-hit-team-that-then-dismembered-his-body-with-bone-saw-nyt-170659"> saw: NYT</a>

The prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi entered the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, for some routine paperwok, on October 2 a little before 1.15 pm.&nbsp;His girlfriend, who was waiting for him outside, says he never came out.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imf-warns-pakistan-against-excessive-loans-from-china-170672">IMF warns Pakistan against ‘excessive loans’ from China</a>

Pakistan has not yet formally approached the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance, but if bailout talks get underway this week, the goal will be to help Pakistan reach its full potential, the IMF’s chief economist said on Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/eight-dead-in-majorca-flash-flooding-170676">Eight dead in Spain's Majorca flash flooding</a>

At least eight people have died, including two British nationals, and several others are missing in flash floods on the Spanish holiday island of Majorca, authorities and emergency services said Wednesday.

&nbsp;

President Yameen's party challenges election results in Maldives Supreme Court Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party today filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month.

President Yameen's party challenges election results in Maldives Supreme Court Maldives President Abdulla Yameen's party today filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging his election defeat last month. Yameen's U-turn comes after he conceded defeat to Ibrahim Mohamed Solih-led Opposition parties. Yameen had earlier said he had met Solih and congratulated him on his election victory. Severe cyclonic storm 'Titli' to hit Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast tomorrow at wind speed of 145 kmph Cyclone 'Titli' over the Bay of Bengal intensified into a severe cyclonic storm Wednesday and is moving towards the Odisha-Andhra Pradesh coast, triggering rainfall in several parts of Odisha, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Journalist Khashoggi was killed by Saudi 'hit team' that then dismembered his body with bone saw: NYT The prominent Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi entered the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, for some routine paperwok, on October 2 a little before 1.15 pm. His girlfriend, who was waiting for him outside, says he never came out. IMF warns Pakistan against ‘excessive loans’ from China Pakistan has not yet formally approached the International Monetary Fund for financial assistance, but if bailout talks get underway this week, the goal will be to help Pakistan reach its full potential, the IMF’s chief economist said on Tuesday. Eight dead in Spain's Majorca flash flooding At least eight people have died, including two British nationals, and several others are missing in flash floods on the Spanish holiday island of Majorca, authorities and emergency services said Wednesday.

News brief: Big stories of the day

German police have arrested a man suspected of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bulgaria-detains-suspect-over-murder-of-journalist-source-170462">rape and murder of Bulgarian television journalist </a>Viktoria Marinova, Bulgarian officials said Wednesday.

But Bulgarian prosecutors said that, at least for now, the killing does not appear linked to her work as a journalist.&nbsp;

The body of 30-year-old Marinova -- who presented a current affairs talk programme called "Detector" for the small TVN television channel -- was discovered on a riverside path in the northern Bulgarian town of Ruse on Saturday.

Authorities said she died from blows to the head and suffocation. She was also raped.

The Bulgarian suspect was picked up late Tuesday at the request of Bulgarian authorities, Interior Minister Mladen Marinov told a news conference.

"We have enough proof linking this person to the scene of the crime," he said.

German police confirmed a 20-year-old man was arrested in the town of Stade near Hamburg on suspicion of raping, robbing and killing Marinova. 
A German police statement said that the process of extraditing the man to Bulgaria had begun and that a request had been filed with the relevant regional court.

Such procedures under the European arrest warrant can take anything from a few days up to several weeks to complete.

Bulgaria's chief prosecutor Sotir Tsatsarov named the suspect as Severin Krasimirov, born in 1997, and said he was already sought in connection with another rape and murder.

"At this stage, we do not believe that the murder is linked" to Marinova's work, Tsatsarov said. "But we are continuing to look at all hypotheses."

"The evidence that we have at this stage leads us to believe it was a spontaneous attack to sexually abuse the victim."

Politically motivated?

The attack has shocked the country and drawn international condemnation amid speculation the murder could be linked to Marinova's work as a journalist.&nbsp;

An episode of her programme aired on September 30 featured interviews with two investigative journalists from Bulgaria and Romania who had been working on corruption allegations.

She is the third journalist to be murdered in Europe in the past 12 months after Jan Kuciak in Slovakia in February and Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta in October 2017.

However, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov lashed out at international bodies and rights groups which had been quick to assume a political motive behind the murder.&nbsp;

"In just three days, I've read monstrous things about Bulgaria. None of them true," he told the news conference.&nbsp;

"We, as a country, did not deserve to be smeared like this... while everyone has been working (to solve the crime) not 100, but 1,000 percent."

European Commission vice president Frans Timmermans had been among the first to suspect a political motive.

"Shocked by the horrendous murder of Victoria Marinova. Again a courageous journalist falls in the fight for truth and against corruption," he tweeted Sunday, not long after the news of the murder broke.&nbsp;

And the UN's cultural agency, UNESCO, similarly said that "attacks on journalists erode the fundamental human right to freedom of expression and its corollaries, press freedom and free access to information."

Bulgaria is regarded as a laggard in the EU in terms of press freedom, ranking 111th out of 180 countries, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Widespread corruption, shady media ownership and suspected collusion between journalists, politicians and oligarchs have made objective reporting a constant obstacle course, according to RSF.

Candlelight vigils

The Bulgaria-based Association of European Journalists said reporters from small regional and local media are under particular pressure and even face threats from local businessmen and politicians, often leading to self-censorship.

But a number of experts in Bulgaria were more sceptical about a political motive, arguing that Marinova was not an investigative journalist and the way the killing was carried out did not fit in with such a scenario.

Violence against women has also been widespread in Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee rights group said 19 women have already been killed in the country so far this year as a result of abuse.&nbsp;

Several hundred people, many in tears, attended a vigil in Ruse on Monday, lighting candles and laying flowers in front of a portrait of Marinova. A similar tribute was held in Sofia.

German police have arrested a man suspected of the rape and murder of Bulgarian television journalist Viktoria Marinova, Bulgarian officials said Wednesday. But Bulgarian prosecutors said that, at least for now, the killing does not appear linked to her work as a journalist.

German police have arrested a man suspected of the rape and murder of Bulgarian television journalist Viktoria Marinova, Bulgarian officials said Wednesday. But Bulgarian prosecutors said that, at least for now, the killing does not appear linked to her work as a journalist. The body of 30-year-old Marinova -- who presented a current affairs talk programme called "Detector" for the small TVN television channel -- was discovered on a riverside path in the northern Bulgarian town of Ruse on Saturday. Authorities said she died from blows to the head and suffocation. She was also raped. The Bulgarian suspect was picked up late Tuesday at the request of Bulgarian authorities, Interior Minister Mladen Marinov told a news conference. "We have enough proof linking this person to the scene of the crime," he said. German police confirmed a 20-year-old man was arrested in the town of Stade near Hamburg on suspicion of raping, robbing and killing Marinova. A German police statement said that the process of extraditing the man to Bulgaria had begun and that a request had been filed with the relevant regional court. Such procedures under the European arrest warrant can take anything from a few days up to several weeks to complete. Bulgaria's chief prosecutor Sotir Tsatsarov named the suspect as Severin Krasimirov, born in 1997, and said he was already sought in connection with another rape and murder. "At this stage, we do not believe that the murder is linked" to Marinova's work, Tsatsarov said. "But we are continuing to look at all hypotheses." "The evidence that we have at this stage leads us to believe it was a spontaneous attack to sexually abuse the victim." Politically motivated? The attack has shocked the country and drawn international condemnation amid speculation the murder could be linked to Marinova's work as a journalist. An episode of her programme aired on September 30 featured interviews with two investigative journalists from Bulgaria and Romania who had been working on corruption allegations. She is the third journalist to be murdered in Europe in the past 12 months after Jan Kuciak in Slovakia in February and Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta in October 2017. However, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov lashed out at international bodies and rights groups which had been quick to assume a political motive behind the murder. "In just three days, I've read monstrous things about Bulgaria. None of them true," he told the news conference. "We, as a country, did not deserve to be smeared like this... while everyone has been working (to solve the crime) not 100, but 1,000 percent." European Commission vice president Frans Timmermans had been among the first to suspect a political motive. "Shocked by the horrendous murder of Victoria Marinova. Again a courageous journalist falls in the fight for truth and against corruption," he tweeted Sunday, not long after the news of the murder broke. And the UN's cultural agency, UNESCO, similarly said that "attacks on journalists erode the fundamental human right to freedom of expression and its corollaries, press freedom and free access to information." Bulgaria is regarded as a laggard in the EU in terms of press freedom, ranking 111th out of 180 countries, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Widespread corruption, shady media ownership and suspected collusion between journalists, politicians and oligarchs have made objective reporting a constant obstacle course, according to RSF. Candlelight vigils The Bulgaria-based Association of European Journalists said reporters from small regional and local media are under particular pressure and even face threats from local businessmen and politicians, often leading to self-censorship. But a number of experts in Bulgaria were more sceptical about a political motive, arguing that Marinova was not an investigative journalist and the way the killing was carried out did not fit in with such a scenario. Violence against women has also been widespread in Bulgaria and the Bulgarian Helsinki Committee rights group said 19 women have already been killed in the country so far this year as a result of abuse. Several hundred people, many in tears, attended a vigil in Ruse on Monday, lighting candles and laying flowers in front of a portrait of Marinova. A similar tribute was held in Sofia.

Germany arrests suspect over killing of Bulgarian journalist

Saudi Arabia allowed consulate search of missing journalist

Bangladesh's High Court issued a notice to the government on Sunday asking it to justify why a prominent social activist should not be granted bail, in a case widely seen as a test for freedom of speech.

Shahidul Alam, an award-winning photographer, was detained in August on suspicion of spreading "propaganda and false information" during widespread student protests.

He was picked up from his home hours after giving an interview to Al Jazeera, in which he accused the government of extrajudicial killings and corruption - accusations the government dismissed.

The 63-year-old had also posted comments on social media saying that a student wing of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling party was trying to attack the protesters - accusations that were also denied.

The High Court on Sunday heard Alam's appeal against the decision of a lower court to deny him bail last month. It issued the notice to the government and asked it to reply within a week, Alam's lawyer Shahdeen Malik told Reuters after the hearing.

Bangladesh's Attorney General Mahbubey Alam appeared in court on behalf of the government and said bail would hamper the on-going investigation.

Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh's founder and first President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is facing national elections in December.

Bangladesh's High Court issued a notice to the government on Sunday asking it to justify why a prominent social activist should not be granted bail, in a case widely seen as a test for freedom of speech.

Bangladesh's High Court issued a notice to the government on Sunday asking it to justify why a prominent social activist should not be granted bail, in a case widely seen as a test for freedom of speech. Shahidul Alam, an award-winning photographer, was detained in August on suspicion of spreading "propaganda and false information" during widespread student protests. He was picked up from his home hours after giving an interview to Al Jazeera, in which he accused the government of extrajudicial killings and corruption - accusations the government dismissed. The 63-year-old had also posted comments on social media saying that a student wing of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling party was trying to attack the protesters - accusations that were also denied. The High Court on Sunday heard Alam's appeal against the decision of a lower court to deny him bail last month. It issued the notice to the government and asked it to reply within a week, Alam's lawyer Shahdeen Malik told Reuters after the hearing. Bangladesh's Attorney General Mahbubey Alam appeared in court on behalf of the government and said bail would hamper the on-going investigation. Hasina, the daughter of Bangladesh's founder and first President Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, is facing national elections in December.

Bangladesh court asks government why jailed photographer should not get bail

Hong Kong's decision to effectively blacklist a senior Financial Times journalist required an "urgent explanation", the UK said Saturday, as foreign governments sounded the alarm over eroding freedoms in the former British colony.

Victor Mallet, the FT's Asia news editor and a British national, earned the ire of authorities for hosting a speech by Andy Chan, the leader of a tiny pro-independence political party.

Chan attacked China as an empire trying to "annex" and "destroy" Hong Kong in a strident speech at the city's Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC), where Mallet serves as vice president.

China's foreign ministry had asked the club to pull the talk, but the FCC refused, arguing that all sides of a debate should be heard. 
Rival protesters picketed the lunchtime event and the city's former leader Leung Chun-ying called for the club to be evicted from its government-owned premises.

The FT said Friday that immigration authorities in Hong Kong had declined to renew Mallet's visa, a decision rights groups and media organisations said was unprecedented.

"We have asked the Hong Kong government for an urgent explanation," the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and its press freedoms are central to its way of life, and must be fully respected."

'Disturbing'&nbsp;

Semi-autonomous Hong Kong enjoys rights unseen on the mainland, including freedom of expression, which are protected in the city's Basic Law and the handover agreement between China and Britain.

But the space for dissent is shrinking as Beijing flexes its muscles.

Hong Kong authorities last week banned Chan's Hong Kong National Party, calling it a threat to national security.

It was the first ban on a political party since the territory reverted to Chinese control in 1997.

The US consulate said Mallet's visa denial was "especially disturbing".

"It mirrors problems faced by international journalists in the Mainland and appears inconsistent with the principles enshrined in the Basic Law," US consulate general spokesman Harvey Sernovitz told AFP.

Hong Kong's last British governor Chris Patten said the move was a "serious blow against free speech" as well as defying the promise of a high degree of autonomy made to the city when it was handed back to China by Britain in 1997.&nbsp;

"The Hong Kong and Beijing authorities should think again and fast," Patten told AFP.

A handful of demonstrators rallied outside Hong Kong's immigration department on Saturday morning to protest the decision.&nbsp;

"No political red line. We support free press," protesters chanted as they shredded a strip of red fabric to create a long ribbon.

The slogan was in response to comments by Hong Kong's former leader Leung Chun-ying -- whose administration faced down major youth-led democracy protests in 2014 -- that discussion of Hong Kong independence "is an absolute and clear red line".

The decision to deny Mallet a new visa was welcomed by pro-Beijing media in the city, however.

A commentary in the Ta Kung Pao newspaper said the veteran journalist had to "pay the price" for giving exposure to Hong Kong's fringe independence movement, and said authorities may still act to evict the FCC from the premises it has occupied since 1982.

Hong Kong's decision to effectively blacklist a senior Financial Times journalist required an "urgent explanation", the UK said Saturday, as foreign governments sounded the alarm over eroding freedoms in the former British colony.

Hong Kong's decision to effectively blacklist a senior Financial Times journalist required an "urgent explanation", the UK said Saturday, as foreign governments sounded the alarm over eroding freedoms in the former British colony. Victor Mallet, the FT's Asia news editor and a British national, earned the ire of authorities for hosting a speech by Andy Chan, the leader of a tiny pro-independence political party. Chan attacked China as an empire trying to "annex" and "destroy" Hong Kong in a strident speech at the city's Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC), where Mallet serves as vice president. China's foreign ministry had asked the club to pull the talk, but the FCC refused, arguing that all sides of a debate should be heard. Rival protesters picketed the lunchtime event and the city's former leader Leung Chun-ying called for the club to be evicted from its government-owned premises. The FT said Friday that immigration authorities in Hong Kong had declined to renew Mallet's visa, a decision rights groups and media organisations said was unprecedented. "We have asked the Hong Kong government for an urgent explanation," the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in a statement. "Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and its press freedoms are central to its way of life, and must be fully respected." 'Disturbing' Semi-autonomous Hong Kong enjoys rights unseen on the mainland, including freedom of expression, which are protected in the city's Basic Law and the handover agreement between China and Britain. But the space for dissent is shrinking as Beijing flexes its muscles. Hong Kong authorities last week banned Chan's Hong Kong National Party, calling it a threat to national security. It was the first ban on a political party since the territory reverted to Chinese control in 1997. The US consulate said Mallet's visa denial was "especially disturbing". "It mirrors problems faced by international journalists in the Mainland and appears inconsistent with the principles enshrined in the Basic Law," US consulate general spokesman Harvey Sernovitz told AFP. Hong Kong's last British governor Chris Patten said the move was a "serious blow against free speech" as well as defying the promise of a high degree of autonomy made to the city when it was handed back to China by Britain in 1997. "The Hong Kong and Beijing authorities should think again and fast," Patten told AFP. A handful of demonstrators rallied outside Hong Kong's immigration department on Saturday morning to protest the decision. "No political red line. We support free press," protesters chanted as they shredded a strip of red fabric to create a long ribbon. The slogan was in response to comments by Hong Kong's former leader Leung Chun-ying -- whose administration faced down major youth-led democracy protests in 2014 -- that discussion of Hong Kong independence "is an absolute and clear red line". The decision to deny Mallet a new visa was welcomed by pro-Beijing media in the city, however. A commentary in the Ta Kung Pao newspaper said the veteran journalist had to "pay the price" for giving exposure to Hong Kong's fringe independence movement, and said authorities may still act to evict the FCC from the premises it has occupied since 1982.

 UK seeks 'urgent explanation' as Hong Kong bans journalist

China on Saturday warned foreign countries not to "interfere" over Hong Kong's decision to effectively blacklist a senior Financial Times journalist, after the UK and other governments expressed alarm over eroding freedoms in the former British colony.

Victor Mallet, the FT's Asia news editor and a British national, earned the ire of authorities for hosting a speech in August by Andy Chan, the leader of a tiny pro-independence political party.

The FT said Friday that immigration authorities in Hong Kong had declined to renew Mallet's visa, prompting the UK to request an "urgent explanation" for a decision described as unprecedented by rights groups and media organisations.

"The Central Government firmly supports the SAR (Hong Kong) Government in handling the related matters in accordance with law," a spokesperson at China's foreign ministry in Hong Kong said.

"No foreign country has any right to interfere."

In a strident speech at the city's Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC), where Mallet serves as vice president, Chan attacked China as an empire trying to "annex" and "destroy" Hong Kong.

China's foreign ministry had asked the club to pull the talk, but the FCC refused, arguing that all sides of a debate should be heard.

Rival protesters picketed the lunchtime event and the city's former leader Leung Chun-ying called for the club to be evicted from its government-owned premises.

"We have asked the Hong Kong government for an urgent explanation," the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in a statement addressing the visa denial.&nbsp;

"Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and its press freedoms are central to its way of life, and must be fully respected."

'Disturbing'&nbsp;

Semi-autonomous Hong Kong enjoys rights unseen on the mainland, including freedom of expression, which are protected in the city's Basic Law and the handover agreement between China and Britain.

But the space for dissent is shrinking as Beijing flexes its muscles.

Hong Kong authorities last week banned Chan's Hong Kong National Party, calling it a threat to national security.

It was the first ban on a political party since the territory reverted to Chinese control in 1997.

The US consulate said Mallet's visa denial was "especially disturbing".

"It mirrors problems faced by international journalists in the Mainland and appears inconsistent with the principles enshrined in the Basic Law," US consulate general spokesman Harvey Sernovitz told AFP.

Hong Kong's last British governor Chris Patten said the move was a "serious blow against free speech" as well as defying the promise of a high degree of autonomy made to the city when it was handed back to China by Britain in 1997.&nbsp;

"The Hong Kong and Beijing authorities should think again and fast," Patten told AFP.

A handful of demonstrators rallied outside Hong Kong's immigration department on Saturday morning to protest the decision.&nbsp;

"No political red line. We support free press," protesters chanted as they shredded a strip of red fabric to create a long ribbon.

The slogan was in response to comments by Hong Kong's former leader Leung Chun-ying -- whose administration faced down major youth-led democracy protests in 2014 -- that discussion of Hong Kong independence "is an absolute and clear red line".

The decision to deny Mallet a new visa was welcomed by pro-Beijing media in the city, however.

A commentary in the Ta Kung Pao newspaper said the veteran journalist had to "pay the price" for giving exposure to Hong Kong's fringe independence movement, and said authorities may still act to evict the FCC from the premises it has occupied since 1982.

China on Saturday warned foreign countries not to "interfere" over Hong Kong's decision to effectively blacklist a senior Financial Times journalist, after the UK and other governments expressed alarm over eroding freedoms in the former British colony.

China on Saturday warned foreign countries not to "interfere" over Hong Kong's decision to effectively blacklist a senior Financial Times journalist, after the UK and other governments expressed alarm over eroding freedoms in the former British colony. Victor Mallet, the FT's Asia news editor and a British national, earned the ire of authorities for hosting a speech in August by Andy Chan, the leader of a tiny pro-independence political party. The FT said Friday that immigration authorities in Hong Kong had declined to renew Mallet's visa, prompting the UK to request an "urgent explanation" for a decision described as unprecedented by rights groups and media organisations. "The Central Government firmly supports the SAR (Hong Kong) Government in handling the related matters in accordance with law," a spokesperson at China's foreign ministry in Hong Kong said. "No foreign country has any right to interfere." In a strident speech at the city's Foreign Correspondents' Club (FCC), where Mallet serves as vice president, Chan attacked China as an empire trying to "annex" and "destroy" Hong Kong. China's foreign ministry had asked the club to pull the talk, but the FCC refused, arguing that all sides of a debate should be heard. Rival protesters picketed the lunchtime event and the city's former leader Leung Chun-ying called for the club to be evicted from its government-owned premises. "We have asked the Hong Kong government for an urgent explanation," the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office said in a statement addressing the visa denial. "Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and its press freedoms are central to its way of life, and must be fully respected." 'Disturbing' Semi-autonomous Hong Kong enjoys rights unseen on the mainland, including freedom of expression, which are protected in the city's Basic Law and the handover agreement between China and Britain. But the space for dissent is shrinking as Beijing flexes its muscles. Hong Kong authorities last week banned Chan's Hong Kong National Party, calling it a threat to national security. It was the first ban on a political party since the territory reverted to Chinese control in 1997. The US consulate said Mallet's visa denial was "especially disturbing". "It mirrors problems faced by international journalists in the Mainland and appears inconsistent with the principles enshrined in the Basic Law," US consulate general spokesman Harvey Sernovitz told AFP. Hong Kong's last British governor Chris Patten said the move was a "serious blow against free speech" as well as defying the promise of a high degree of autonomy made to the city when it was handed back to China by Britain in 1997. "The Hong Kong and Beijing authorities should think again and fast," Patten told AFP. A handful of demonstrators rallied outside Hong Kong's immigration department on Saturday morning to protest the decision. "No political red line. We support free press," protesters chanted as they shredded a strip of red fabric to create a long ribbon. The slogan was in response to comments by Hong Kong's former leader Leung Chun-ying -- whose administration faced down major youth-led democracy protests in 2014 -- that discussion of Hong Kong independence "is an absolute and clear red line". The decision to deny Mallet a new visa was welcomed by pro-Beijing media in the city, however. A commentary in the Ta Kung Pao newspaper said the veteran journalist had to "pay the price" for giving exposure to Hong Kong's fringe independence movement, and said authorities may still act to evict the FCC from the premises it has occupied since 1982.

China warns against foreign interference as Hong Kong bans journalist

Mystery surrounded the whereabouts of a prominent Saudi critic on Thursday after Riyadh announced he had left their consulate in Istanbul -- but Turkey and his fiancee said he had not been heard from since entering the building.

Jamal Khashoggi, a contributor to the Washington Post, went to the Saudi consulate on Tuesday to receive an official document for his marriage.

His fiancee reported him missing after the journalist, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the US since last year to avoid possible arrest, was not seen to emerge.

The former government adviser, has been critical of some policies of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Riyadh's intervention in the war in Yemen.

After an initial period of silence Saudi Arabia said the consulate was working with Turkish authorities "to uncover the circumstances of the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi after he left the consulate building" in a statement published Thursday by the state-run SPA news agency.

A senior Turkish official, however, said on Wednesday the journalist was being held at the consulate.

"According to information we have, this individual who is a Saudi national is still at the Istanbul consulate of Saudi Arabia," presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin told reporters in Ankara.

He said the Turkish foreign ministry and police were closely monitoring the case, adding that Ankara was in touch with Saudi officials.&nbsp;

Khashoggi's Turkish fiancee has been waiting outside the consulate since Wednesday morning.

"I haven't received any news from him since 1 pm (1000 GMT) on Tuesday," 36-year-old Hatice, who would not give her family name, told AFP as she stood near barricades.

She said Khashoggi had left his mobile phone with her.

"We want to know his whereabouts. Where is Jamal?" she said. "We want him to come out of the consulate safe and sound."

'Very concerned'&nbsp;

The US State Department said it was investigating the matter.

"We... are very concerned about where he may be," the Washington Post's international opinions editor, Eli Lopez, said in a statement late Tuesday.

"It would be unfair and outrageous if he has been detained for his work as a journalist and commentator," Lopez said.

Turan Kislakci, a friend of Khashoggi and head of the Turkish-Arab Media Association, told AFP: "We are certain that Jamal is being held inside unless the consulate has a tunnel."

Hatice said Khashoggi had gone to the consulate to obtain documents for their own marriage to prove he was not married.

Reporters Without Borders said Khashoggi's disappearance was "extremely worrying," calling on Saudi and Turkish authorities "to do everything to ensure that this journalist reappears – free –- as soon as possible."

The Committee to Protect Journalists said the Saudi's disappearance was a cause for alarm "given the Saudi authorities' pattern of quietly detaining critical journalists".

In an article written for the Post in September 2017, Khashoggi wrote: "When I speak of the fear, intimidation, arrests and public shaming of intellectuals and religious leaders who dare to speak their minds, and then I tell you that I'm from Saudi Arabia, are you surprised?"

At about the same time, Khashoggi said he had been banned from contributing to the Al-Hayat daily, owned by Saudi Prince Khaled bin Sultan al-Saud.

The writer admitted to defending the Muslim Brotherhood, which did not appear to please the newspaper.

While Riyadh classifies the Brotherhood as a "terrorist organisation", Turkey is one of the group's main supporters.

The hashtag "#kidnappingofJamalKhashoggi" was one of the most shared in Arabic on Twitter since Tuesday evening.

Saudi Arabia, which ranks 169th out of 180 on the World Press Freedom Index issued by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), has launched a modernisation campaign since the 2017 appointment of Prince Mohammed as heir to the throne.

But the ultra-conservative kingdom, which won plaudits in June for lifting a ban on women driving, has drawn heavy criticism for its handling of dissent.

Khashoggi once said that before he left the kingdom, the Saudi government banned him from Twitter for warning "against an overly enthusiastic embrace of then-president-elect Donald Trump".

He is one of the rare Saudi journalists to condemn repression in the country. In one of his last tweets, he criticised the lawsuit filed against a Saudi economist, Essam al-Zamel, after his arrest by Saudi authorities.

Mystery surrounded the whereabouts of a prominent Saudi critic on Thursday after Riyadh announced he had left their consulate in Istanbul -- but Turkey and his fiancee said he had not been heard from since entering the building.

Mystery surrounded the whereabouts of a prominent Saudi critic on Thursday after Riyadh announced he had left their consulate in Istanbul -- but Turkey and his fiancee said he had not been heard from since entering the building. Jamal Khashoggi, a contributor to the Washington Post, went to the Saudi consulate on Tuesday to receive an official document for his marriage. His fiancee reported him missing after the journalist, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the US since last year to avoid possible arrest, was not seen to emerge. The former government adviser, has been critical of some policies of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Riyadh's intervention in the war in Yemen. After an initial period of silence Saudi Arabia said the consulate was working with Turkish authorities "to uncover the circumstances of the disappearance of Jamal Khashoggi after he left the consulate building" in a statement published Thursday by the state-run SPA news agency. A senior Turkish official, however, said on Wednesday the journalist was being held at the consulate. "According to information we have, this individual who is a Saudi national is still at the Istanbul consulate of Saudi Arabia," presidential spokesman Ibrahim Kalin told reporters in Ankara. He said the Turkish foreign ministry and police were closely monitoring the case, adding that Ankara was in touch with Saudi officials. Khashoggi's Turkish fiancee has been waiting outside the consulate since Wednesday morning. "I haven't received any news from him since 1 pm (1000 GMT) on Tuesday," 36-year-old Hatice, who would not give her family name, told AFP as she stood near barricades. She said Khashoggi had left his mobile phone with her. "We want to know his whereabouts. Where is Jamal?" she said. "We want him to come out of the consulate safe and sound." 'Very concerned' The US State Department said it was investigating the matter. "We... are very concerned about where he may be," the Washington Post's international opinions editor, Eli Lopez, said in a statement late Tuesday. "It would be unfair and outrageous if he has been detained for his work as a journalist and commentator," Lopez said. Turan Kislakci, a friend of Khashoggi and head of the Turkish-Arab Media Association, told AFP: "We are certain that Jamal is being held inside unless the consulate has a tunnel." Hatice said Khashoggi had gone to the consulate to obtain documents for their own marriage to prove he was not married. Reporters Without Borders said Khashoggi's disappearance was "extremely worrying," calling on Saudi and Turkish authorities "to do everything to ensure that this journalist reappears – free –- as soon as possible." The Committee to Protect Journalists said the Saudi's disappearance was a cause for alarm "given the Saudi authorities' pattern of quietly detaining critical journalists". In an article written for the Post in September 2017, Khashoggi wrote: "When I speak of the fear, intimidation, arrests and public shaming of intellectuals and religious leaders who dare to speak their minds, and then I tell you that I'm from Saudi Arabia, are you surprised?" At about the same time, Khashoggi said he had been banned from contributing to the Al-Hayat daily, owned by Saudi Prince Khaled bin Sultan al-Saud. The writer admitted to defending the Muslim Brotherhood, which did not appear to please the newspaper. While Riyadh classifies the Brotherhood as a "terrorist organisation", Turkey is one of the group's main supporters. The hashtag "#kidnappingofJamalKhashoggi" was one of the most shared in Arabic on Twitter since Tuesday evening. Saudi Arabia, which ranks 169th out of 180 on the World Press Freedom Index issued by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), has launched a modernisation campaign since the 2017 appointment of Prince Mohammed as heir to the throne. But the ultra-conservative kingdom, which won plaudits in June for lifting a ban on women driving, has drawn heavy criticism for its handling of dissent. Khashoggi once said that before he left the kingdom, the Saudi government banned him from Twitter for warning "against an overly enthusiastic embrace of then-president-elect Donald Trump". He is one of the rare Saudi journalists to condemn repression in the country. In one of his last tweets, he criticised the lawsuit filed against a Saudi economist, Essam al-Zamel, after his arrest by Saudi authorities.

Mystery surrounds Saudi journalist's consulate disappearance

Gunmen shot and killed a Mexican journalist as he left his home in the southern state of Chiapas, his newspaper said Friday, at least the ninth reporter murdered in the country this year.

Mario Gomez, a reporter with El Heraldo de Chiapas, is the latest victim in a wave of violence against the press in Mexico, one of the deadliest countries in the world for journalists, according to the watchdog group Reporters Without Borders.

"He had recently filed a complaint because he was receiving threats," a colleague at the paper told AFP on condition of anonymity. 
&nbsp;

Gunmen shot and killed a Mexican journalist as he left his home in the southern state of Chiapas, his newspaper said Friday, at least the ninth reporter murdered in the country this year.

Gunmen shot and killed a Mexican journalist as he left his home in the southern state of Chiapas, his newspaper said Friday, at least the ninth reporter murdered in the country this year. Mario Gomez, a reporter with El Heraldo de Chiapas, is the latest victim in a wave of violence against the press in Mexico, one of the deadliest countries in the world for journalists, according to the watchdog group Reporters Without Borders. "He had recently filed a complaint because he was receiving threats," a colleague at the paper told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Journalist murdered in Mexico, ninth of 2018: Report 

Pakistan based journalist and activist Gul Bukhari, who was abducted by unknown people in Lahore on Tuesday night has now returned home.

Her family has confirmed that she has returned home and is fine, Dawn reported.

Responding to the incident, former Pakistan Ambassador to US Husain Haqqani tweeted, "Concerned by news of columnist @gulbukhari, British-#Pakistan dual national & outspoken critic of Pak military's role in politics, going missing. She should not join the long list of #EnforcedDisappearances in #Pakistan."

Journalists like Umer Ali and Saeed Shah earlier tweeted confirming the news of her abduction.

"Several journalists confirming @gulbukhari was forcibly picked up while on her way to attend a TV talk show. She has been a consisted critic of the military's alleged intervention in the Pakistani politics," Umer Ali's tweeted.

"Gul Bukhari is a political activist and social media voice in Pakistan. Reports suggest she was abducted by agents of the state. This is just weeks before an election," Saeed Shah said in a tweet.

Another Twitter user Afrasiab Khattak in a tweet said, "I strongly condemn the abduction of Gul Bukhari in Lahore. Armed invasion on Wana Town to physically eliminate Ali Wazir & Gul Bukhari's abduction shows that the forces of fascism are using the absence of a political government for crushing dissent."

Bukhari was on her way to the studio to appear in a show when some unknown people stopped her vehicle and abducted her.

She, who is known for her outspoken criticism of Pakistan military's role in politics, is currently a contributing Op-Ed writer at The Nation.

Gul Bukhari is a political activist and social media voice in Pakistan. Reports suggest she was abducted by agents of the state.

Pakistan based journalist and activist Gul Bukhari, who was abducted by unknown people in Lahore on Tuesday night has now returned home. Her family has confirmed that she has returned home and is fine, Dawn reported. Responding to the incident, former Pakistan Ambassador to US Husain Haqqani tweeted, "Concerned by news of columnist @gulbukhari, British-#Pakistan dual national & outspoken critic of Pak military's role in politics, going missing. She should not join the long list of #EnforcedDisappearances in #Pakistan." Journalists like Umer Ali and Saeed Shah earlier tweeted confirming the news of her abduction. "Several journalists confirming @gulbukhari was forcibly picked up while on her way to attend a TV talk show. She has been a consisted critic of the military's alleged intervention in the Pakistani politics," Umer Ali's tweeted. "Gul Bukhari is a political activist and social media voice in Pakistan. Reports suggest she was abducted by agents of the state. This is just weeks before an election," Saeed Shah said in a tweet. Another Twitter user Afrasiab Khattak in a tweet said, "I strongly condemn the abduction of Gul Bukhari in Lahore. Armed invasion on Wana Town to physically eliminate Ali Wazir & Gul Bukhari's abduction shows that the forces of fascism are using the absence of a political government for crushing dissent." Bukhari was on her way to the studio to appear in a show when some unknown people stopped her vehicle and abducted her. She, who is known for her outspoken criticism of Pakistan military's role in politics, is currently a contributing Op-Ed writer at The Nation.

Abducted Pakistan journalist Gul Bukhari returns home

Willem Dafoe has been roped in to star in crime drama "The Last Thing He Wanted".

The 62-year-old actor will play father to Anne Hathaway's hardscrabble journalist Elena McMahon, who gets embroiled in the dangerous world of arms dealing.

The film is the big-screen adaptation of Joan Didion's 1996 political thriller, which will be directed by "Mudbound" helmer Dee Rees.

Marco Villalobos will co-write the script with Rees.

Elevated's Cassian Elwes will produce and The Fyzz Facility's Wayne Marc Godfrey and Robert Jones will produce and finance the project.

The 62-year-old actor will play father to Anne Hathaway's hardscrabble journalist

Willem Dafoe has been roped in to star in crime drama "The Last Thing He Wanted". The 62-year-old actor will play father to Anne Hathaway's hardscrabble journalist Elena McMahon, who gets embroiled in the dangerous world of arms dealing. The film is the big-screen adaptation of Joan Didion's 1996 political thriller, which will be directed by "Mudbound" helmer Dee Rees. Marco Villalobos will co-write the script with Rees. Elevated's Cassian Elwes will produce and The Fyzz Facility's Wayne Marc Godfrey and Robert Jones will produce and finance the project.

Willem Dafoe joins 'The Last Thing He Wanted'

Anti-Kremlin journalist Arkady Babchenko, who has dismissed criticism of helping stage his own death, disclosed Thursday some details of the ruse that fooled the world for a day.

Babchenko made a shocking reappearance at a press conference in Kiev on Wednesday, more than 12 hours after the Ukrainian authorities reported he had been shot dead at his home in a contract-style killing.

Ukraine's SBU security service said the ruse was meant to foil a real assassination plot against Babchenko ordered by Russia and has arrested the organiser of the crime.

"From what I know, planning for the special operation got under way two months ago," Babchenko told journalists, adding he was brought into it one month ago.

Babchenko said that at first, he was incredulous and even angry at the SBU, but changed his mind when he saw the very detailed information the hit man had on him.

Babchenko left Russia in February 2017 after receiving threats, living first in the Czech Republic, then in Israel, before moving to Kiev.

He contributed to a number of media outlets including top opposition newspaper Novaya Gazeta and is an avid blogger, accusing Russian authorities of killing Kremlin critics and unleashing wars in Ukraine, Syria and elsewhere.

After Babchenko agreed to cooperate, they needed to cut down on his leaving his apartment.

"To reduce the danger we came up with a cover story that I had broken a leg in order to explain why I wasn't leaving home," said Babchenko, who served as a soldier in both Russia's campaign's in Chechnya before becoming a war correspondent.

Despite the detailed planning the operation had to be rushed into action.

"They began to put pressure on the guy (the hitman) because they had given him three weeks to carry it out," said Babchenko, adding they had planned to stage the killing on June 1.

The day of the operation the makeup artist arrived at his apartment at six in the morning.

"We had already thought out how it would happen, that the murder would take place on the landing when I opened the door" to go inside, he said.

Moreover, Babchenko said he was instructed how to lay down like a dead person in order to fool any chance witness.

"I had real pig's blood. They covered my mouth, nose and the three bullet holes with it. And behold, I'm dead," said Babchenko.

Then began the operation to deceive the media, the public, and most importantly, the person who ordered the killing.

"My wife called the police, then the ambulance. The Berkut (police SWAT team) came in an instant, I didn't expect that. I want to congratulate them, they immediately checked the rooms, the safety of the stairwells, like in a film. They didn't know about the operation," said the journalist.

Ukrainian authorities told the media that Babchenko had died in the ambulance, but he said the show continued until "they closed the door of the morgue behind me."

"There, they resuscitated me," said Babchenko.

Between the staged murder and his arrival at the morgue, four hours had elapsed during which Babchenko successfully fooled the Ukrainian police and the world.

Then began the waiting: "I watched the news, how far they went in saying I was a nice guy."

Eventually, he was moved out of the morgue to avoid being caught by a persistent journalist.

"I was taken to a safe location. It finished only at five in the morning. Then I could go to sleep."

Ukraine's SBU security service said the ruse was meant to foil a real assassination plot against Babchenko ordered by Russia and has arrested the organiser of the crime.

Anti-Kremlin journalist Arkady Babchenko, who has dismissed criticism of helping stage his own death, disclosed Thursday some details of the ruse that fooled the world for a day. Babchenko made a shocking reappearance at a press conference in Kiev on Wednesday, more than 12 hours after the Ukrainian authorities reported he had been shot dead at his home in a contract-style killing. Ukraine's SBU security service said the ruse was meant to foil a real assassination plot against Babchenko ordered by Russia and has arrested the organiser of the crime. "From what I know, planning for the special operation got under way two months ago," Babchenko told journalists, adding he was brought into it one month ago. Babchenko said that at first, he was incredulous and even angry at the SBU, but changed his mind when he saw the very detailed information the hit man had on him. Babchenko left Russia in February 2017 after receiving threats, living first in the Czech Republic, then in Israel, before moving to Kiev. He contributed to a number of media outlets including top opposition newspaper Novaya Gazeta and is an avid blogger, accusing Russian authorities of killing Kremlin critics and unleashing wars in Ukraine, Syria and elsewhere. After Babchenko agreed to cooperate, they needed to cut down on his leaving his apartment. "To reduce the danger we came up with a cover story that I had broken a leg in order to explain why I wasn't leaving home," said Babchenko, who served as a soldier in both Russia's campaign's in Chechnya before becoming a war correspondent. Despite the detailed planning the operation had to be rushed into action. "They began to put pressure on the guy (the hitman) because they had given him three weeks to carry it out," said Babchenko, adding they had planned to stage the killing on June 1. The day of the operation the makeup artist arrived at his apartment at six in the morning. "We had already thought out how it would happen, that the murder would take place on the landing when I opened the door" to go inside, he said. Moreover, Babchenko said he was instructed how to lay down like a dead person in order to fool any chance witness. "I had real pig's blood. They covered my mouth, nose and the three bullet holes with it. And behold, I'm dead," said Babchenko. Then began the operation to deceive the media, the public, and most importantly, the person who ordered the killing. "My wife called the police, then the ambulance. The Berkut (police SWAT team) came in an instant, I didn't expect that. I want to congratulate them, they immediately checked the rooms, the safety of the stairwells, like in a film. They didn't know about the operation," said the journalist. Ukrainian authorities told the media that Babchenko had died in the ambulance, but he said the show continued until "they closed the door of the morgue behind me." "There, they resuscitated me," said Babchenko. Between the staged murder and his arrival at the morgue, four hours had elapsed during which Babchenko successfully fooled the Ukrainian police and the world. Then began the waiting: "I watched the news, how far they went in saying I was a nice guy." Eventually, he was moved out of the morgue to avoid being caught by a persistent journalist. "I was taken to a safe location. It finished only at five in the morning. Then I could go to sleep."

Anti-Kremlin journalist smeared himself in pig's blood to fake his death

Russia's embattled liberal community was reeling Wednesday from the murder of fiercely anti-Kremlin journalist Arkady Babchenko who was gunned down in Ukraine after leaving Moscow following a campaign of harassment.

A prominent Russian war correspondent who became famous for his fierce tirades against Moscow, Babchenko, 41, was murdered on Tuesday evening in a contract-style killing in the stairwell of his building in the Ukrainian capital Kiev where he moved last year.

Ukrainian authorities blamed Russia's "totalitarian machine" for his murder, while Moscow denied the charges and the Kremlin warned that Kiev had become "a very dangerous place" for journalists.

His murder triggered a huge outpouring of grief among Russia's liberal opposition, with journalists and politicians warning that Kremlin critics had become fair game under President Vladimir Putin.

Top opposition leader Alexei Navalny said he was "shocked", writing on his blog that he had no doubt that the journalist was murdered because of his "public political position."

Over the past years a number of Kremlin critics and Russian liberals have left the country after physical attacks and death threats and many blamed the atmosphere of growing intolerance under Putin for Babchenko's death.

Opposition politician and former MP Ilya Ponomaryov, who now lives in Kiev, said he feared other Kremlin critics would be murdered in the future.

"Over the last three days, I have heard about three contracts taken out on Russian opposition figures among emigres," he wrote on Facebook.

Pavel Kanygin, an investigative reporter with Russia's Novaya Gazeta liberal newspaper to which Babchenko contributed in the past, called his assassination "a terror attack" against journalists in both Russia and Ukraine.

"Arkasha would shoot straight from the hip every day in such a brazen manner that even those close to him felt uneasy sometimes," Kanygin wrote, referring to his friend by his nickname.

Novaya Gazeta has lost a number of journalists over the past years including Anna Politkovskaya, gunned down in the stairwell of her Moscow apartment in 2006.

"Arkady knew what war was about, took part in it but always hated it viscerally," the award-winning newspaper said in an editorial.

The Bell, a respected Russian media start-up, said it did not always agree with Babchenko but called him "a principled, passionate, brave man and journalist worthy of respect."

Babchenko was killed less than a month after Putin was inaugurated for his fourth Kremlin term and as Russia gears up to host the World Cup later this month.

He was shot three times in the back in a killing reminiscent of that of another prominent Kremlin critic, politician Boris Nemtsov who was shot in the back as he walked near the Kremlin in February 2015.

The journalist quit Russia after pro-Kremlin supporters launched a campaign of intimidation and harassment after he wrote on Facebook he was not sorry when a plane transporting a Russian military choir crashed into the Black Sea en route to Syria in December 2016.

Some liberals drew parallels with the case of Russian former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter who were targeted with a potent nerve agent in Britain in March.

"The toxic homeland is continuing to kill, poisoning the world already outside its borders," wrote Sergei Medvedev, a professor at Moscow's Higher School of Economics.

Natalia Gevorkyan, a Russian reporter living in France, said the situation was becoming so bad that the European Union and the United States should help protect people fleeing persecution and facing death threats in Russia.

Babchenko fought in Russia's two Chechen campaigns in the 1990s and early 2000s before becoming a war correspondent and author. He repeatedly said he faced death threats.

He contributed to a number of media outlets besides Novaya Gazeta and was an avid blogger, accusing Russian authorities of slaughtering Kremlin critics and unleashing wars in Ukraine, Syria and elsewhere.

His increasingly bombastic posts constantly pushed the boundaries of good taste and some of his colleagues and followers stopped reading him in recent years.

A prominent Russian war correspondent who became famous for his fierce tirades against Moscow, Babchenko, 41, was murdered on Tuesday evening in a contract-style killing in the stairwell of his building in the Ukrainian capital Kiev where he moved last year

Russia's embattled liberal community was reeling Wednesday from the murder of fiercely anti-Kremlin journalist Arkady Babchenko who was gunned down in Ukraine after leaving Moscow following a campaign of harassment. A prominent Russian war correspondent who became famous for his fierce tirades against Moscow, Babchenko, 41, was murdered on Tuesday evening in a contract-style killing in the stairwell of his building in the Ukrainian capital Kiev where he moved last year. Ukrainian authorities blamed Russia's "totalitarian machine" for his murder, while Moscow denied the charges and the Kremlin warned that Kiev had become "a very dangerous place" for journalists. His murder triggered a huge outpouring of grief among Russia's liberal opposition, with journalists and politicians warning that Kremlin critics had become fair game under President Vladimir Putin. Top opposition leader Alexei Navalny said he was "shocked", writing on his blog that he had no doubt that the journalist was murdered because of his "public political position." Over the past years a number of Kremlin critics and Russian liberals have left the country after physical attacks and death threats and many blamed the atmosphere of growing intolerance under Putin for Babchenko's death. Opposition politician and former MP Ilya Ponomaryov, who now lives in Kiev, said he feared other Kremlin critics would be murdered in the future. "Over the last three days, I have heard about three contracts taken out on Russian opposition figures among emigres," he wrote on Facebook. Pavel Kanygin, an investigative reporter with Russia's Novaya Gazeta liberal newspaper to which Babchenko contributed in the past, called his assassination "a terror attack" against journalists in both Russia and Ukraine. "Arkasha would shoot straight from the hip every day in such a brazen manner that even those close to him felt uneasy sometimes," Kanygin wrote, referring to his friend by his nickname. Novaya Gazeta has lost a number of journalists over the past years including Anna Politkovskaya, gunned down in the stairwell of her Moscow apartment in 2006. "Arkady knew what war was about, took part in it but always hated it viscerally," the award-winning newspaper said in an editorial. The Bell, a respected Russian media start-up, said it did not always agree with Babchenko but called him "a principled, passionate, brave man and journalist worthy of respect." Babchenko was killed less than a month after Putin was inaugurated for his fourth Kremlin term and as Russia gears up to host the World Cup later this month. He was shot three times in the back in a killing reminiscent of that of another prominent Kremlin critic, politician Boris Nemtsov who was shot in the back as he walked near the Kremlin in February 2015. The journalist quit Russia after pro-Kremlin supporters launched a campaign of intimidation and harassment after he wrote on Facebook he was not sorry when a plane transporting a Russian military choir crashed into the Black Sea en route to Syria in December 2016. Some liberals drew parallels with the case of Russian former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter who were targeted with a potent nerve agent in Britain in March. "The toxic homeland is continuing to kill, poisoning the world already outside its borders," wrote Sergei Medvedev, a professor at Moscow's Higher School of Economics. Natalia Gevorkyan, a Russian reporter living in France, said the situation was becoming so bad that the European Union and the United States should help protect people fleeing persecution and facing death threats in Russia. Babchenko fought in Russia's two Chechen campaigns in the 1990s and early 2000s before becoming a war correspondent and author. He repeatedly said he faced death threats. He contributed to a number of media outlets besides Novaya Gazeta and was an avid blogger, accusing Russian authorities of slaughtering Kremlin critics and unleashing wars in Ukraine, Syria and elsewhere. His increasingly bombastic posts constantly pushed the boundaries of good taste and some of his colleagues and followers stopped reading him in recent years.

Murder of anti-Kremlin war reporter shocks Russian opposition

Renowned journalist Rajat Sharma will contest for the post of Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) President.

The elections for the post will be held on June 30.&nbsp

As per reports, Sharma's team will consist of Rakesh Bansal, who will supposedly fight for the post of Vice President

Rajat's candidature is backed by former DDCA President Sneh Bansal, Narinder Batra --Treasurer and International Hockey Federation (FIH) and many others.&nbsp

The dates for the DDCA elections were declared yesterday by administrator Justice Vikramajit Sen.

He also announced that the polls will be held without the much-criticised proxy voting system.&nbsp

The proxy system of voting which has been considered by many as the root cause of corruption in DDCA has been done away with as Justice Sen released an 11-point model of code of conduct for election of members of the executive committee.&nbsp

The elections for the post will be held on June 30.

Renowned journalist Rajat Sharma will contest for the post of Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) President. The elections for the post will be held on June 30. As per reports, Sharma's team will consist of Rakesh Bansal, who will supposedly fight for the post of Vice President Rajat's candidature is backed by former DDCA President Sneh Bansal, Narinder Batra --Treasurer and International Hockey Federation (FIH) and many others. The dates for the DDCA elections were declared yesterday by administrator Justice Vikramajit Sen. He also announced that the polls will be held without the much-criticised proxy voting system. The proxy system of voting which has been considered by many as the root cause of corruption in DDCA has been done away with as Justice Sen released an 11-point model of code of conduct for election of members of the executive committee.

Journalist Rajat Sharma to contest for DDCA President's post

An Afghan freelance journalist was attacked by unidentified miscreants and sustained wounds here on Sunday.

The journalist, Nematullah Tanin was quoted by TOLO news as saying that he was attacked by the assailants when he came out of the house in Kabul's PD5 in Afshar area and was going somewhere for work.

The journalist added that a bullet whizzed past his head and he suffered a shrapnel injury as a result.

The miscreants fled after the attack.

On a related note, two suicide bombers killed almost 30 people in the double bombing in Shash Darak area of Kabul city. Nine journalists were also killed in the incident, who were covering the first attack at that time.

The second attacker impersonated as a member of the media fraternity.

Afghan Ambassador to India Shaida Mohammad Abdali on Friday dwelled upon the killing of nine journalists saying, "This was the bloodiest year for Afghan media. This was an attack on global media. More importantly, this attack was on Afghan youth."

According to the 2018 World Press Freedom Index, Afghanistan ranks a lowly 118 out of 180 countries.

The journalist, Nematullah Tanin was quoted by TOLO news as saying that he was attacked by the assailants when he came out of the house in Kabul's PD5 in Afshar area and was going somewhere for work

An Afghan freelance journalist was attacked by unidentified miscreants and sustained wounds here on Sunday. The journalist, Nematullah Tanin was quoted by TOLO news as saying that he was attacked by the assailants when he came out of the house in Kabul's PD5 in Afshar area and was going somewhere for work. The journalist added that a bullet whizzed past his head and he suffered a shrapnel injury as a result. The miscreants fled after the attack. On a related note, two suicide bombers killed almost 30 people in the double bombing in Shash Darak area of Kabul city. Nine journalists were also killed in the incident, who were covering the first attack at that time. The second attacker impersonated as a member of the media fraternity. Afghan Ambassador to India Shaida Mohammad Abdali on Friday dwelled upon the killing of nine journalists saying, "This was the bloodiest year for Afghan media. This was an attack on global media. More importantly, this attack was on Afghan youth." According to the 2018 World Press Freedom Index, Afghanistan ranks a lowly 118 out of 180 countries.

Afghanistan journalist attacked in Kabul

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