Islamic State releases video of Kenji Goto's murder on YouTube

A video has been posted online that appears to show that Kenji Goto, who was being held captive by an organization believed to be Islamic State, was murdered. Authenticity checks are underway.

The video shows Mr. Goto wearing orange clothes and standing on his knees in a desert-like area, and a man dressed in all black, who appears to be a combatant, putting his hand on Mr. Goto's shoulder.

To the Japanese government. You are just like the foolish members of the evil coalition, and we are an 'Islamic nation' with authority and power by the grace of Allah and your bloodthirsty army. do not understand.

Abe, because of your reckless decision to participate in a battle you cannot win, this knife will not only kill Kenji, but will also slaughter your people everywhere. This is the beginning of a nightmare for Japan.

And a man who thrusts a knife at a man who appears to be Mr. Goto.

The movie has been edited, and although that moment is not shown, there are some that show a scene where something like a head is placed on top of the body lying down afterwards. (Caution: Click to display shocking images)

This video is characterized by the presence of the Islamic State logo in the upper left corner of the screen, which has not been seen in previous videos. The Japanese government is urgently working to confirm the authenticity of the footage.

In response to the post, the official Twitter account of the Prime Minister's Office announced that a cabinet meeting would be held from 7 a.m.

[Detention of Japanese nationals in Syria] In light of the distribution of a video that appears to show Kenji Goto being murdered, the government announced today (February 1st) around 7:00 a.m. that the government will take action regarding the threat to kill Japanese nationals in Syria. A ministerial meeting will be held.

— Prime Minister's Office (@kantei)

2015, January 31

◆2015/02/01 8:23 Added
In response to the incident, Prime Minister Abe said, ``We have done our best to bring the situation under control, but we are extremely disappointed.'' We will never forgive terrorists and will continue to work with the international community to make them pay for their crimes,' he said, expressing his intention to continue providing food and humanitarian assistance without giving in to terrorist acts. .

Goto's mother commented to the press, ``I really wanted him to help me because I also have a small baby.I want to tell my baby that his father was brave.''

In addition, Goto's older brother, Junichi Goto, said, ``I am grateful for the support I have received from my fellow journalists, the Japanese government, everyone in Japan, and people around the world. As my brother, I feel very sorry for what happened.I had hoped that Kenji would come back alive and be able to thank everyone, but I am very sorry that that was not possible. 'I will,' he commented.

The U.S. government issued an emergency statement saying, ``We have discovered a video of the murder of Japanese Kenji Goto and have confirmed its authenticity. We call for the release of these people. The U.S. government will continue to work with countries including our ally Japan.'

◆Added on 2015/02/01 12:07
Prime Minister Abe's statement is published on the website of the Prime Minister's Office.

February 1, 2015 Prime Minister's Statement | 2015 | Prime Minister's Instructions, Statements, etc. | Prime Minister | Prime Minister's Office Home Page
http://www.kantei.go.jp/jp/97_abe/discours/20150201seimei.html

Prime Minister's Statement

1. Following Haruna Yukawa, a video has been released in which Kenji Goto appears to have been murdered.
There are no words to say when I think of your family's pain. The government has made every effort to respond. I am deeply regretful and deeply saddened.

2. I feel strong anger at this outrageous and despicable act of terrorism. We firmly condemn this unacceptable act.
We will never forgive terrorists. We will work together with the international community to make them pay for their crimes.

3. Japan will never succumb to terrorism.
We will further expand humanitarian assistance such as food and medical care to the Middle East.
Japan will resolutely fulfill its responsibility in the international community in the fight against terrorism.
4. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the world leaders and friends of Japan who have shown strong solidarity against this terrorist act and cooperated in the liberation efforts.

5. We will continue to take every possible measure to ensure the safety of our citizens both at home and abroad.

2015/02/01 12:38 added
The Chief Cabinet Secretary explained that there was no direct contact from Islamic State to the Japanese government . In addition, the Metropolitan Police Department and Chiba Prefectural Police have decided to investigate the video of the alleged murder of Goto and Yukawa posted on YouTube by the Islamic State as a murder case .