Foreign minister defends role in freeing of prisoners

Foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al Saud denied that Saudi Arabia’s efforts to secure the release of international prisoners held by Russian proxies in Ukraine was an attempt to improve the country’s image after the killing of Jamal Khashoggi.

Saudi Arabia has previously said Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was involved in a major diplomatic effort, which appeared to have involved the Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

Five Britons were among 10 people facing the death penalty from pro-Russia separatists who were released unexpectedly last week. They had been accused of fighting as mercenaries.