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 -- an image and audio
posted online Saturday by a known ISIS supporter purport to show.
A static image shows what appears to be
surviving Japanese hostage Kenji Goto,
alone, in handcuffs and dressed in orange, holding a photo of what appears to
be beheaded compatriot Haruna Yukawa.
Saturday's posting came four days after an
ISIS video demanded that the Japanese government
pay $200 million within 72 hours for
the hostages' release.
CNN cannot independently verify the post.
Over Saturday's post, a man's voice claiming
to Goto's says in English that 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, awoman arrested in Jordan in 2005 on suspicion of planning to take part
terror attacks.
"They no longer want money, so you don't
need to worry about funding terrorists," the voice says. "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 posting, and
said that it appeared that Goto was holding a picture of a slain Yukawa.
Abe also acknowledged the post Saturday.
"It was outrageous, unforgivable
violence," Abe said, adding that he demands Goto be released immediately.
Culled from CNN.
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