2015-01-20 17:09:00

Islamist militants ask for ransom in exchange for two Japanese hostages


(Vatican Radio) Japan has condemned a threat by the so-called Islamic State to execute two Japanese hostages. In a video, it demanded a ransom for their lives. In response, Japan is underscoring the non-military nature of its assistance to the region.

Listen to the report by Alastair Wanklyn: 

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the threat to execute the two men is "unforgivable." He added money Japan gives nations in the region is meant to help refugees and build infrastructure.

Ten Japanese hostages died in Algeria two years ago, and some analysts say this latest hostage crisis comes at a difficult time for the government: It is trying to relax a constitutional bar on its troops getting involved in conflict.

Public opinion is against the change. And some analysts say this situation with the Islamic State could harden attitudes against foreign engagements, like the peacekeeping operations the government wants to take on.

The two hostages are a journalist and a security contractor. The video shows them kneeling while an Islamic State fighter brandishes a knife.

In its response, Japan's foreign ministry said Japan "will not give in to terrorism," and would continue to aid international counter-terrorism efforts.








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