Japan Condemns IS Execution, Demands Remaining Hostage Release

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Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called the killing of a Japanese captive by Islamic State militants “outrageous” on Sunday  and again demanded the group release a second Japanese national they are currently holding. Reuters covered the story:

Abe, speaking to public broadcaster NHK, said chances were high that a recording and an image of what appeared to be the decapitated body of captive Haruna Yukawa, which emerged late on Saturday, were authentic.

The Japanese leader called for the immediate release of the remaining Japanese captive, veteran war correspondent Kenji Goto, and said saving Goto’s life was a top priority.

But he reiterated that Japan would not give in to terrorism.

“Such an act of terrorism is outrageous and impermissible, which causes me nothing but strong indignation,” Abe said. “Again, I strongly demand that Mr. Kenji Goto not be harmed and be immediately released.”