Islamic State militants claim killing of Japanese hostage
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 26 January 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Islamic State militants claim killing of Japanese hostage, 26 January 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/54e1a42a14.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 26, 2015
The Islamic State (IS) militant group has claimed responsibility for killing Japanese hostage Haruna Yukawa.
The January 25 claim came one day after the release of a video announcing the murder of Yukawa.
The Al-Bayan radio station, which broadcasts to areas in Syria and Iraq controlled by Islamic State, announced that IS "executed Japanese hostage Haruna Yukawa after the expiry of the deadline given."
IS threatened on January 20 to kill Yukawa and another Japanese hostage, Kenji Goto, unless Japan paid a $200-million ransom within 72 hours.
The IS has changed its demand for freeeing for Goto, now saying it wants the release of Al-Qaeda-linked attempted female suicide bomber Sajida Rishwai – an Iraqi held in Jordan – instead of money.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has demanded the unconditional release of Goto and called the execution of Yukawa "outrageous and unforgiveable."
Based on reporting by AFP and AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
