Jamal Khashoggi's convicted killers 'living in luxury Saudi compound': report

Three members of a Saudi hit squad found guilty of killing journalist Jamal Khashoggi are living in luxury villas in the Saudi capital, The Guardian reported on Thursday.

The convicted killers are living and working in seven-star accommodation, at a government-run security compound in Riyadh, a source with links to senior Saudi intelligence members told the British daily.

The men were convicted of murdering and dismembering Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018.

They include Salah Al-Tubaigy, the forensic scientist who dismembered Khashoggi; Mustafa Al-Madani, a Khashoggi body double used to create the illusion that the journalist left the consulate alive; and Mansour Abahussein, the man accused of leading the operation, The Guardian claimed.

The three men are frequently visited by family and use a gym and workspaces inside the compound, the source who has spoken to two witnesses claiming to have seen the men, told The Guardian.

They also appeared to be relaxed and living normal lives on the occasions they were spotted, the sources said.

A declassified US intelligence assessment released in February claimed Saudi's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved of the operation to capture or kill Khashoggi.

The Saudi government has denied any involvement from the crown prince and rejected the report's findings.

After an opaque trial in Saudi Arabia, five Saudis were sentenced to death and three sentenced to prison terms for Khashoggi's murder. However, the death sentences were later commuted.