Angelina Jolie Condemns Boko Haram Schoolgirl Kidnappings

Angelina Jolie has joined an increasingly growing list of celebrities who have condemned, in no uncertain terms, the kidnaping of 300 Nigerian schoolgirls three weeks ago.

Jolie, who is a UNHCR Special Envoy, spoke to the press in Paris on Tuesday, sharing her views on the matter:

“The kidnapping of these young Nigerian girls is an unthinkable cruelty. Sadly, of course, there is real evil in the world. You watch the news and you see all of the people suffering and so much cruelty.”

The Nigerian Islamic Group, Boko Haram, released a video taking responsibility for the kidnapping. Boko Haram terrorists had overpowered security guards at the school and forced 276 girls out of their beds and into trucks. They were then taken to a secret location deep in the forest.

The leader of the Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, said in the 57-minute video: “They are slaves and I will sell them because I have the market to sell them,” adding that “Western education should end,” and saying “Girls, you should go and get married.”

John Kerry also offered Nigeria assistance from the United States in finding the terrorists: “We have offered, and it’s been accepted—help from our military and our law enforcement officials.”

President Barack Obama spoke to NBC‘s Al Roker on Tuesday about the incident, making it clear that his government will do all in its power to find the kidnapped schoolgirls:

“In the short term our goal is obviously to help the international community, and the Nigerian government, as a team to do everything we can to recover these young ladies,” the commander-in-chief continued. “But we’re also going to have to deal with the broader problem of organizations like this, that, uh, you know, can cause such havoc in people’s day-to-day lives,” he said.