Dozens of Western countries, including Canada, voiced concern at Saudi Arabia's continued detention of women activists and called for those behind the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi to be brought to justice.

Saudi Arabia’s state television aired few details about the final verdicts issued by the Riyadh Criminal Court against the eight Saudi nationals.

The son-in-law of a former top Saudi intelligence officer living in Canada is allegedly being held by security forces in Saudi Arabia in an 'act of reprisal' over a lawsuit against Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Saudi crown prince sent team used in Jamal Khashoggi's killing to hunt former intel boss in Toronto.

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.

The Middle Eastern country's Public Investment Fund now owns 5.7 per cent of shares in the multi-billion-dollar entertainment company.

Canada has lifted its ban on military exports to Saudi Arabia amid the COVID-19 pandemic despite concerns over widespread human rights abuses by Riyadh.

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.

The request came prior to a report by the UN special rapporteur urging investigation of the murder.

"Most, if not all, would have a vested interest in ensuring it does not take place," one official said.