US(Washington Insider Magazine)-WASHINGTON (Transatlantic Today) – In a U.S. federal court on Friday, a member of a cell of British Islamic State terrorists known as “the Beatles” by their captives was found guilty of kidnapping and killing freelance reporter James Foley as well as taking part in the captivity and murder of 3 other Americans.
On the 8th anniversary of Foley’s death, which was documented in a terrifying ISIS execution video, El Shafee Elsheikh, 34, was sentenced. According to ABC NEWS, Elsheikh was also found guilty and given a sentence for the kidnapping and killings of journalist Steven Sotloff, relief worker Peter Kassig, and human rights activist Kayla Mueller.
Elsheikh, who was apprehended in Syria in 2018 together with fellow “Beatle” Alexanda Kotey, was referred to by the prosecution as the most notorious and senior ISIS member to be tried in the United States at his punishment hearing in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The foursome killed 4 Americans, many Japanese, and British citizens in Syria while holding 26 Westerners captive.
In April, Kotey was given a life term.
Judge T.S. Ellis termed the crimes as horrifying on Friday, pointing out Elsheikh’s participation in Mueller’s sexual assault, his choice to give law enforcement false testimony, and his position as the group’s leader.
Elsheikh and Kotey did not get the death penalty as a result of an earlier deal with the United Kingdom. Mohammed Emwazi, a different member of the organization, was slain in a drone attack in Syria in 2016. Aine Lesley Davis, a fourth member, was detained in Turkey and deported to the UK early this year to face terrorism charges.
Elsheikh promptly appealed the punishment to the court when it was delivered, citing insufficient legal representation.
The mother of James Foley, Diane Foley, established the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation after her son tragically died. This organization works to protect the safety of journalists across the world and to defend the rights of Americans who are being held hostage abroad.
The parents of Kayla Mueller, Marsha and Carl Mueller, told reporters on Friday that they are still actively searching for their daughter’s remains. The couple is collaborating with private organizations in an effort to track down Kayla and find out what happened to their kid.
The 26-year-old was abducted by ISIS in Turkey in August 2013 while she was on a humanitarian mission there after crossing the Syrian border to visit a hospital. U.S. officials verified that she passed away in ISIS custody in February 2015.
Speaking at the sentencing on Friday was denied by Elsheikh.
In order to avoid complicating the process of bringing detained Americans home more challenging, Foley emphasized the necessity for the government to move rapidly in cases where they are being held.
