Germany condemns Khashoggi's death "with utmost sharpness"

Germany on Saturday strongly condemned the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Saudi consulate in Istanbul, calling for further investigation.

"With great dismay, we have received the confirmation of the violent death of Jamal Khashoggi," said a statement issued by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Foreign Minister Heiko Maas.

"We condemn the act with utmost sharpness. We expect transparency from Saudi Arabia in light of the circumstances of the death and the background," read the statement.

The statement said that those responsible must be held accountable, and the information given at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul is insufficient.

Under massive pressure, Saudi Arabia admitted on Saturday that preliminary investigations by the Saudi Public Prosecution showed missing journalist Jamal Khashoggi died after a fight at the Saudi consulate in the Turkish city of Istanbul.

Prior to the announcement by Saudi Arabia, Heiko Maas had already put travel plans to Saudi Arabia on hold.

Maas said on Wednesday in Berlin that he would wait for the investigation and a possible statement from Riyadh.