EU calls for 'thorough investigation' into Khashoggi killing

The European Union called for a "thorough investigation" into the death of Jamal Khashoggi, following a Riyadh's claims that the Saudi journalist was accidently killed in a "fist-fight" at the kingdom's consulate early this month.

The European body's top diplomat Federica Mogherini described Khashoggi's death as "deeply troubling" and called for full accountability for those responsible.

This echoed earlier condemnations from member countries France and Germany about the Saudi narrative, following numerous claims in media that Riyadh ordered Khashoggi's torture and murder.

Arabia admitted that Khashoggi was killed inside its Istanbul consulate.

"The emerging circumstances of Jamal Khashoggi's death are deeply troubling, including the shocking violation of the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations," said a statement on Mogherini's behalf.

"Therefore the European Union, like its partners, insists on the need for continued thorough, credible and transparent investigation, shedding proper clarity on the circumstances of the killing and ensuring full accountability of all those responsible for it."

The body claimed a violation of article 55 of the Vienna Convention, which is about the "Respect for the laws and regulations of the receiving State".

"The consular premises shall not be used in any manner incompatible with the exercise of consular functions," the article adds.

The EU also expressed its condolences to Khashoggi's family and friends and praised his work as a journalist.

For over two weeks Saudi Arabia claimed the journalist left the consulate alive, but on Saturday Riyadh finally admitted that Khashoggi had died.

Saudi Arabia then made a claim that has largely been debunked that the 59-year-old died in a "brawl" with 15 other men in the consulate.

Riyadh announced that two leading officials had been sacked, while 18 Saudis have been arrested in connection with his death.

Two top aides of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as three other intelligence agents, have been sacked.