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Jamal Khashoggi: Branson halts $1bn Saudi investment talks

Sir Richard Branson has halted talks over $1bn Saudi investment in Virgin space firms after the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Sir Richard has also suspended directorships in two tourism projects.

Mr Khashoggi, a noted critic of the Saudi government, disappeared when visiting the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last week.

Turkish police told US officials they have evidence that proves Mr Khashoggi was killed, the Washington Post said.

In a statement, Sir Richard said: “What has reportedly happened in Turkey around the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, if proved true, would clearly change the ability of any of us in the West to do business with the Saudi Government.

“We have asked for more information from the authorities in Saudi and to clarify their position in relation to Mr Khashoggi.”

File photo of Jamal Khashoggi (8 May 2012)Jamal Khashoggi has not been seen since going into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul

Turkish authorities in Istanbul have audio and video evidence that supports that the journalist was murdered by Saudi agents inside the consulate, the Washington Post reported.

Saudi Arabia has denied killing Mr Khashoggi and has insisted that he left the consulate shortly after he arrived.

What investment talks have been suspended?

Virgin was in talks with Saudi sovereign wealth fund the Public Investment Fund about a proposed $1bn investment in space companies Virgin Galactic and Virgin Orbit.

Talks have been going on since October 2017, when the Saudi intention to invest was agreed by Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al-Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, and Sir Richard.

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The Virgin investment plan was part of Saudi efforts to diversify its economy away from its dependence on oil profits.

Who is missing journalist Jamal Khashoggi?

Mr Khashoggi, a well-known Saudi journalist, was once an adviser to the Saudi royal family, but fell sharply out of favour with the Saudi government and went into self-imposed exile.

After an international career, he left Saudi Arabia in 2017 for the US, and began writing a column for the Washington Post.

In his column, Mr Kashoggi said he had gone into exile because he feared being arrested, and that there had been an apparent crackdown on dissidents under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

In his last column, he criticised Saudi involvement in the Yemen conflict.

Why did Mr Khashoggi visit the Istanbul consulate?

He first visited the consulate on 28 September to get a document certifying a divorce, but he was told he would have to come back.

Mr Khashoggi returned on 2 October and arrived at 13:14 local time for his appointment, which was scheduled for 13:30.

He reportedly told friends that he had been treated “very warmly” on his first visit and reassured them that he would not face any problems.

Source: www.bbc.com

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