[國際新聞] Japan PM says photo released by Isil shows released, minister, national, killed, likely

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Japan PM says photo released by Isil shows dead hostage Haruna Yukawa
Shinzo Abe, the Japanese prime minister, has admitted that a photo of a decapitated body released on Saturday by Islamic militants is likely to be that of Haruna Yukawa, the Japanese hostage feared to have been killed by Isil.
"We cannot help but say that it is highly credible," Mr Abe told national broadcaster NHK on Sunday.

The picture was being held by Kenji Goto, the second Japanese national being held hostage by Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil), and accompanied by a voice-over statement.

In the two-minute speech, Mr Goto - pictured wearing an orange jump suit and handcuffs attached to a thick steel chain - accused the Japanese prime minister of causing Mr Yukawa's death by failing to respond to the demand issued on Tuesday for a ransom of $200 million (GBP133 million) to be paid to Isil within 72 hours.

Mr Abe released a statement on Sunday morning saying he was aware of the "unbearable pain and sorrow" that Mr Yukawa's family must be feeling.
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"I am simply left speechless," the prime minister said. "Such an act of terrorism is outrageous and impermissible."
Mr Abe demanded that 47-year-old Mr Goto be released immediately, unharmed, and added that the government will "never give in to terrorism and will actively contribute to the peace and stability of the world, together with the international community, in an unwavering manner."
Government sources claim that the image and sound track was sent by e-mail to Mr Goto's wife, Rinko, before it was released on the Internet.
Yoshihide Suga, the chief cabinet secretary, confirmed the government's assumption that the images of Mr Yukawa's execution were genuine. He added that Japanese diplomats based in Jordan were making efforts to communicate with the hostage-takers but that there has been no contact so far.
In his audio message, Mr Goto said his captors were no longer seeking a ransom but wanted to carry out a hostage exchange. In return for his freedom, Mr Goto said, the Jordanian authorities must release Sajida Rishawi, who has been sentenced to death for her role in a suicide bomb attack in Amman.

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More than 50 people were killed in the attack in the Jordanian capital, which took place in 2005.

Shoichi Yukawa, the father of the dead hostage, told reporters on Sunday that the moment he had feared since his son was first seized by gunmen in August of last year had finally come to pass.

"I cannot find the words to express my feelings," Mr Yukawa said, adding that he appreciated the efforts made by the government and others to save his son's life. He also apologised for inconveniencing the government.

Junko Ishido, Mr Goto's mother, told journalists after the release of the latest video that she had not given up hope that he will return safely.

She said that her son should remain calm and look into any options that might result in his safe release.

Mr Abe spoke with President Barack Obama on Sunday, with the US leader condemning the "brutal murder" of Mr Yukawa and vowing to work closely with Japan to bring the hostage crisis to a swift conclusion.

Presently visiting India, Mr Obama underlined Washington's support and expressed appreciation for Japan's efforts to bring about peace and stability on the Middle East.


Mr Goto's life may be won if Jordan frees a woman sentenced to death there, Sajida al-Rishawi, right