Turkey: Protest for the release of Saudi journalist in Istanbul October 5

Event

An association of Arab journalists in Turkey is staging a protest in front of the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul as of Friday, October 5, demanding the release of a Saudi editorialist. Jamal Khashoggi, a writer for the Washington Post, is believed to have been held in the Saudi Consulate since October 2. Associated trafic disruptions are possible.

Context

Khashoggi fled to the US in 2017 after having criticized the Saudi crown prince, as well as Saudi Arabia's military intervention in Yemen. He disappeared on October 2, after reportedly going to the consulate, from which he did not return. Turkish authorities indicated that he was still in the building, while Riyadh claimed that he had left the premises.

Advice

Individuals in Istanbul are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution.