Abe 'speechless' after video claims IS hostage dead

IS had threatened to behead the Japanese men within 72 hours unless it received a $200 million in ransom.

January 25, 2015 08:32 am | Updated November 16, 2021 05:55 pm IST - TOKYO

In this image taken from an online video released by the Islamic State's al-Furqan media arm shows the group threatening to kill two Japanese hostages.

In this image taken from an online video released by the Islamic State's al-Furqan media arm shows the group threatening to kill two Japanese hostages.

Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Sunday said he was “speechless” after an online video showed one of two Japanese hostages of Islamic State (IS) had been killed, and demanded the release of the other.

Mr. Abe said that the video was likely authentic and offered condolences to the family and friends of Haruna Yukawa, a 42-year-old adventurer taken hostage last year.

>A look at Japan and two being held by Islamic State

“I am left speechless,” he said, stressing he wants Goto, the other hostage, released unharmed.

“We strongly and totally criticise such acts.”

Yukawa’s father, Shoichi, on Sunday said he hoped “deep in his heart” that the news of his son’s killing was not true. If I am ever reunited with him, I just want to give him a big hug,” he said.

Japan condemns apparent IS execution, demands release of remaining hostage

President Barack Obama condemned what he called “the brutal murder” of Yukawa, saying he stood by Japan to get Goto released.

The IS had threatened on Tuesday to behead the men within 72 hours unless it received a $200 million ransom.

Patrick Ventrell, a spokesman for the White House National Security Council, said U.S. intelligence officials were also working to confirm whether the video was authentic.

Mr. Abe said after a Cabinet meeting late on Saturday that the government of Japan will not succumb to terrorism and will continue to cooperate with the international community in the fight against terrorism.

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