The United States said on Monday that the verdicts in the murder of Saudi citizen Jamal Khashoggi were a significant step in achieving justice. A senior US official said the verdicts were "an important step" in holding those responsible for the crime accountable and encouraged Saudi Arabia to continue with a fair and transparent judicial process, reported Reuters. Riyadhs criminal court pronounced the death penalty on five defendants "for committing and directly participating in the murder of the victim". Three were sentenced to prison. They were given various sentences totaling 24 years "for their role in covering up this crime and violating the law". Saudi Deputy Public Prosecutor and spokesman Shalaan al-Shalaan said the investigations proved there was no "prior enmity" between those convicted and Khashoggi. The verdicts can still be appealed.