One of ISIS’ two Japanese hostages has been killed after a deadline for ransom passed, and the terror group has issued a new demand for the other’s freedom — a prisoner exchange — a video posted online Saturday by a known ISIS supporter purports to show.
The video appears to show a static image of surviving Japanese hostage Kenji Goto, dressed in orange, holding a photo of what appears to be beheaded compatriot Haruna Yukawa.
The posting came four days after an ISIS video demanded that the Japanese government pay $200 million within 72 hours for the hostages’ release.
On Saturday’s video, a man’s voice claiming to Goto’s says Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is to blame for Yukawa’s death.
“You were given a deadline, so my captives acted upon their words,” he says.
The voice then relays ISIS’ new demand — the release of Sajida Rishawi, a woman that he says is being held by Jordanian authorities.
“They no longer want money, so you don’t need to worry about funding terrorists,” the voice says in English. “They just demand the release of their imprisoned sister Sajida Rishawi.
“It is simple. You give them Sajida, and I will be released. … Again, I would like to stress how easy it is to save my life. You bring them their sister from the Jordanian regime, and I will be released immediately — me for her.”
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Saturday that his government was aware of the latest video, and said that it appeared that Goto was holding a picture of a slain Yukawa.
Abe also acknowledged the video Saturday.
“It was outrageous, unforgivable violence,” Abe said, adding that he demands Goto be released immediately.
