The announcement was largely expected because the trial in Saudi Arabia left the door open for reprieve by ruling in December that the killing was not premeditated.

A court in Saudi Arabia on Monday sentenced five people to death for the killing of Washington Post columnist and royal family critic Jamal Khashoggi, who was murdered in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul last year by a team of Saudi agents.

Hatice Cengiz told The Associated Press she is apprehensive about returning to the site Wednesday for a ceremony marking the anniversary of Khashoggi's death, but takes strength knowing she won't be alone this time.

A United Nations-led inquiry into the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi said on Thursday that evidence pointed to a 'brutal and premeditated killing' by Saudi officials.

The International Federation of Journalists said in an annual report set for release Monday that 94 journalists and media workers died in targeted killings, bomb attacks and conflict crossfire this year.

U.S. President Donald Trump has been reluctant to condemn the Saudi government or the crown prince for Khashoggi's death.

"We don't extradite our citizens," Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said.

Omar Abdulaziz, a resident of Canada, is claiming the company's spyware targeted him and helped lead to the killing of his friend.

Germany banned 18 Saudis suspected of involvement in the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi from much of Europe on Monday and moved to halt all arms sales to Saudi Arabia.

In light of recent events, some artists are asking why the Cirque is sticking to its schedule.