A new video released on Saturday by the Islamic State shows an ISIS militant beheading British hostage and aid worker David Haines, who was kidnapped in Syria last year while working for an international aid agency. The video, entitled “A message to the allies of America” shows an ISIS militant beheading Haines and threatening another British hostage if Cameron continues to support the USA fight against the Islamic State. He said: “This British man has to pay the price for your promise, Cameron, to arm the Peshmerga against the Islamic State.”
David Haines, a 44-year-old father of two from Scotland, had engaged in humanitarian work since 1999 with French agency ACTED. He helped victims of conflicts in the Balkans, Africa and the Middle East.
The speaker is believed to be the same man suspected of beheading American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff. After beheading Haines, the executioner, dressed head-to-toe in black, went on to threatening the life of another British hostage. In the video released by ISIS, Haines also spoke declaring that Cameron was responsible for his execution.
He said: “You entered voluntarily into a coalition with the United States against the Islamic State, just as your predecessor, Tony Blair, did.” He added after that: “Following a trend amongst our British Prime Ministers who can’t find the courage to say no to the Americans. Unfortunately, it is we, the British public that will in the end pay the price for our Parliament’s selfish decisions.”
James Foley and Steven Sotloff have made similar speeches addressed to American president Barack Obama.
The killing was condemned by British Prime Minister David Cameron who described the murder as being “an act of pure evil.” He said in an official statement released by Downing Street: “This is a despicable and appalling murder of an innocent aid worker. It is an act of pure evil. My heart goes out to the family of David Haines who have shown extraordinary courage and fortitude throughout this ordeal.” He added that the killers will be brought to justice: “We will do everything in our power to hunt down these murderers and ensure they face justice, however long it takes.”
The Moroccan Times.
