Saudi prosecutors will seek the death penalty for at least five suspects in the slaying of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, according to state media, ABC News reported.

The news came as 11 suspects alleged to be involved in the killing of the prominent critic attended their first court hearing in Riyadh.

The state-run Saudi Press Agency and state television gave few details about the hearing and did not name the suspects.

However, a statement from prosecutors said the suspects attended the hearing with their lawyers.

The statement also said prosecutors sent a request to Turkey for evidence that Ankara has collected over the October 2 slaying of Khashoggi at the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul.

"No response has been received to date and the Public Prosecutor's Office is still waiting for an answer," the statement said.

Officials in Turkey could not be immediately reached for comment.

Turkish officials have previously said they shared evidence with Saudi Arabia and other nations over Khashoggi's killing.