Press TV - Despite facing worldwide controversy after the assassination of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, reports have shown that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has continued his despotic practices, regularly consulting the killing's alleged mastermind Saud al-Qahtani.

American and Saudi sources informed on the matter say that many of the prince's current decisions are in line with advice gained from his former aid Qahtani, reported the American daily newspaper The Washington Post on Thursday.

“Domestically, he feels very confident and in control. As long as his base is secure, he feels that nothing can harm him,” says an American source who recently met the prince.

“He’s completely unchastened by what has happened,” read the report quoting a British researcher highly informed on Saudi politics.

Qahtani, who was fired from his position after being blamed for Khashoggi's murder, allegedly advises bin Salman on a regular basis.

The former aid is said to be the architect of the kingdom’s social media campaign against Muslim preachers, intellectuals and critics of the Riyadh regime.

Qahtani has also been reported to be deeply involved in Riyadh’s cyber espionage and dissident intimidation activities.