Families of Beheaded Journalists were Threatened by US Government

The beheading of two American journalists by ISIS jihadists had the world reacting in revulsion. The beheading by ISIS was repulsive as was the news that the US Government has had warned the families of both the journalists not to raise any ransom for their release or they will have to face prosecution.

US government in practice never pays ransom contending that it will imperil the life of American citizens all over the world. The murdered journalist’s parents were visited by White House anti terrorism officials and were told in no uncertain terms that they will be prosecuted if they try to independently raise the ransom to secure their release.

A spokesman for Sotloff’s family said that the family of both the slain journalists felt completely helpless. They could do nothing to secure the release of their son.  The spokesman added that Mr. Sotloff was shaking after meeting the official from NSA.

Foley’s mother Diane expressed similar sentiments and told CNN that her family was warned that they will face prosecution if they tried to raise ransom money. The family was also informed that the government was not planning any military action nor was there any intent for a prisoner swap.

The remarks followed similar comments by Foley’s mother Diane, who told CNN in an interview aired this week that her family was warned it could be charged if it tried to come up with ransom money. The family was also forbidden from interacting with the media.

Meanwhile politicians as usual, tried to wash their hands off the affair. Secretary of State John Kerry responded to Foley’s remarks Friday, saying he was “really taken aback”. He also said that he will not condone anybody.

Meanwhile, White House spokesman Josh Earnest repeated the same statement that US policy forbids paying ransoms because doing so puts Americans in a risk situation.