In a new video released on Tuesday, the Islamic State group threatened to execute two hostages within 24 hours unless Jordan releases a female failed suicide bomber who’s been on death row in the country since 2006.
Tuesday’s video appeared to show Japanese reporter Kenji Goto, who has been held by the Islamic State group since the fall. The images were accompanied by audio in which a man who sounded like Goto said he had 24 hours to live unless Jordan released Sajida al-Rishawi. Goto added that the life of Muath al-Kasaesbeh, a Jordanian pilot who was captured by the extremists after his plane crashed in Syria in December, was also in imminent danger.
Al-Rishawi received the death penalty in Jordan in 2006 for her role in al Qaeda attacks on three luxury hotels in the Jordanian capital of Amman in November 2005. The bombings left more than 60 people dead and were some of the deadliest in Jordan’s history.
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On Wednesday, Amman appeared willing to consider al-Rishawi’s release and a member of Jordan’s parliament said the government was engaged in indirect talks with the militants. Jordan’s willingness to negotiate with the Islamic State is against the policy of the United States. Both countries are part of the international coalition to fight the Islamic State group.
This image made from Jordan television on April 24, 2006, shows Sajida Mubarak al-Rishawi. (AP Photo/Jordan Television)
