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An artist paid tribute on Saturday to murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi at a press museum in the US capital Washington after Saudi authorities finally admitted to killing the writer.

Robin Bell projected a large image of Khashoggi onto a wall of the Newseum decorated with the first amendment of the US constitution that guarantees freedom of expression.

"[Khashoggi] was killed by the Saudi Royal Family for speaking truth to power," Bell on Twitter.

"They are being protected by our President who has taken bribes from their regime for his personal gain. We demand justice," he added.

The tribute came after Saudi authorities admitted that the Washington Post columnist, a prominent critic of powerful Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was killed after entering the consulate in Turkey on October 2.

The Newseum also paid respects to the slain journalist.

"We reserve a special outrage when a journalist is murdered over words and ideas," the media museum .

Saudi Arabia has faced a growing chorus of incredulity over its belated explanation of how Khashoggi died inside its Istanbul consulate.

After initially saying Khashoggi left the consulate unharmed, and then that they were investigating his disappearance, Saudi authorities backtracked and admitted the 60-year-old was killed in a "brawl" with officials inside the consulate.

But that narrative - combined with the absence of Khashoggi's body - has quickly drawn scepticism and scorn from many, including staunch allies.

US President Donald Trump has said he is unsatisfied with Saudi Arabia's response to the columnist's death.

Trump initially said he found the Saudi explanation credible, but later expressed more scepticism.