IRISH FRIEND OF SLAIN AMERICAN JOURNALIST SPEAKS OUT
Islamic State insurgents have released a video showing the beheading of US journalist James Foley, who went missing in Syria two years ago.
It also shows images of another US journalist whose life they said depended on US action in Iraq.
A statement issued by Mr Foley’s mother, Diane Foley, said “We have never been prouder of our son, Jim. He gave his life trying to expose the world to the suffering of the Syrian people.”
“We implore the kidnappers to spare the lives of the remaining hostages. Like Jim, they are innocents. They have no control over American government policy in Iraq, Syria or anywhere in the world.”
“We thank Jim for all the joy he gave us. He was an extraordinary son, brother, journalist and person. Please respect our privacy in the days ahead as we mourn and cherish Jim,” she added.
The British Prime Minister David Cameron has called the murder which was carried out by an extremist with a British accent ‘shocking and depraved’.
Irish Times foreign affairs correspondent Mary Fitzgerald was a friend of James Foley and worked alongside him.
“He was not a naive beginner to conflict situations, if you like – he was very well aware of the risks” she said.
“But he was utterly devoted to telling the story as well” she added.
