UN calls for justice in 'atrocious' Khashoggi murder

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The UN on Thursday called for justice in the case of a murdered Washington Post columnist that has evoked international uproar.

"We are obviously continuing to follow the situation closely and we want to see all the people who were involved in this atrocious murder to be brought to justice," spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters at the UN's New York headquarters.

Jamal Khashoggi was killed shortly after he entered the Saudi consulate general in Istanbul Oct. 2.

Saudi Arabia had offered shifting explanations for Khashoggi's disappearance before suggesting he was killed during a botched rendition operation by rogue agents.

His body has yet to be returned to his family, which has been requesting its return, amid reports that it was chemically dissolved.

Turkey on Wednesday called for an international investigation to ascertain the facts of Khashoggi's murder.

Dujarric said the UN has not received a request in writing to commence an international investigation, noting that Secretary General Antonio Guterres would need a mandate for a UN legislative body to begin proceedings.

*Betul Yuruk contributed to this report from the United Nations