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The whereabouts of Khashoggi's remains are unknown, he said. His family is planning a weekend prayer service without his body.

Turkey, who have alleged the murder was carried out by a 15-man Saudi "hit squad," reacted with scepticism to the latest announcement from Riyadh having led a global wave of outcry over the killing.

Mr Shalaan said Mr Khashoggi was murdered after “negotiations” for his return to the kingdom failed, and that the killing was ordered by the lead negotiator after he decided it was unfeasible to remove him from the consulate.