Without any official confirmation and only the word of anonymous Turkish investigators to go on, the idea that Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi's body was dismembered using a bonesaw after he was killed by Saudi Agents was turning into something of an urban myth, but we're getting closer to confirming the truth of what happened to him.
A source who's read the transcripts of the recording of Khashoggi's killing -- the same recording that was handed over to American intelligence -- told CNN that a saw can be heard in the background of the recording.
Moreover, an unnamed United States Senator has confirmed the details.
During the course of the gruesome scene, the source describes Khashoggi struggling against a group of people determined to kill him.
"I can't breathe," Khashoggi says.
"I can't breathe."
"I can't breathe."
The transcript notes the sounds of Khashoggi's body being dismembered by a saw, as the alleged perpetrators are advised to listen to music to block out the sound. [...]
The office of one US senator, who has received a briefing on the investigation by CIA Director Gina Haspel, told CNN that the source's recollections of the transcript are "consistent" with that briefing.
Pouring over the details feels voyeuristic but, at the same time, I think this is further evidence that the killing was premeditated. The Saudi government has continued to insist that it was an accident, but it's not exactly normal to carry a bonesaw with you in the event that you'll need to dismember someone.
That is unless you're a forensics expert whose job is to chop up bodies as quickly as possible.
Further details of the transcript shared with CNN leave open the possibility that Khashoggi was not dead yet when they used the saw. Those macabre details were also previously shared by anonymous Turkish investigators, but this is the first time a western outlet has suggested as much that I'm aware of.
Khashoggi's remains still haven't been recovered and the Trump regime is still protecting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.