There is outrage in Japan as the country reacts with fury to the sickening beheading of Japanese hostage, Kenjo Goto, by the Islamic terror group ISIS.
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he was “left speechless” and vowed that “Japan will never succumb to terrorism.”
“Considering the agony of the families. I am left speechless. The government has done everything in its power, but I cannot but feel the deepest regret … We will never forgive the terrorists. To punish them for this crime, we will unite with the international community. I feel indignation over this immoral and heinous act of terrorism.”
Barack Obama has described the beheading as “heinous,” and British Prime Minister David Cameron called the killing a “despicable and appalling murder.”
“It is a reminder that ISIL is the embodiment of evil.”
The terror group released the video of Goto on Saturday, and his murder comes seven days after ISIS beheaded Haruna Yukawa. The killing comes two days after a new deadline set by the terror group for the release of failed suicide bomber Sajijda al-Rishawi had passed.
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga believes there is a “high” probability the footage is authentic.
This is how we should all remember Kenji Goto, a truly brave and remarkable man. pic.twitter.com/GwrxyUDUc0
— Historical Pics (@HistoricalPics) January 31, 2015
Expressing the outrage in Japan, he said the development was “extremely unfortunate and anguishing” and added that he was unsure if Goto’s execution was the result of a breakdown in the reported hostage-swap negotiations with Jordan.
“We cannot suppress the extreme anger that such an immoral and despicable terrorist act was repeated again.”
Kenji Goto’s mother, Junko Ishido, expressed her sorrow and grief for her courageous son, who was captured after reportedly traveling to Syria to save the first Japanese executed hostage, Haruna Yukawa.
“He went to save his fellow countryman. Please understand his bravery and kindness. Kenji is gone now. It’s such a heartbreaking death, I can’t find any words. Tears just keep welling up in my eyes.”
Goto’s brother thanked the Japanese government for trying to secure his release but could not hide his outrage.
“I was hoping Kenji might be able to come home. I was hoping he would return and thank everyone for his rescue, but that’s impossible, and I’m bitterly disappointed. The fact that it ended this way, as his brother I feel great regret.”
There have yet to be any updates on the situation of the Jordanian pilot, Muath al-Kaseasbeh, whose release was demanded as part of any hostage swap deal with ISIS. Negotiators had asked for proof that the pilot was still alive but failed to receive sufficient evidence.
As Japan reacts in outrage to this latest sickening act of terror, Prime Minister Abe vowed not to give in to terrorism and said the country will continue to provide humanitarian aid and support to countries fighting the Islamic State extremists.
[Image: AP Photo]