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Transcript/Script((PLAYBOOK SLUG: TV Press Freedom Media Hostages
HEADLINE: IS Trial Offers Path to Justice for Families
TEASER: Extradition and conviction of IS militant may act as model for others affected by terrorism overseas, analysts say
PUBLISHED AT: 4/18/2022, 8:32 pm
BYLINE: Sirwan Kajjo
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Washington
VIDEOGRAPHER:
PRODUCER:
SCRIPT WRITER: Sirwan Kajjo
SCRIPT EDITORS: JJ, MPage
VIDEO SOURCE (S): AP, AFP, Reuters, original Zoom interviews ((mandatory credit: Bill Hennessy on the 3 courtroom sketches from :23 - :26, :39-:42, and 1:34-1:38.
PLATFORMS (mark with X): WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
TRT: 3:09
VID APPROVED BY: Holly Franko
TYPE: TVPKG
EDITOR NOTES: For VOA Press Freedom. Questions, review Sirwan and Jessica.))
((INTRO))
[[ The conviction of an Islamic State militant found guilty in the U.S. for his role in taking Americans hostage carries significance for other families seeking justice. VOA’s Sirwan Kajjo has more. ]]
((NARRATOR))
A two-week trial at this Virginia courthouse has brought a measure of justice to the families of Americans kidnapped and killed in Syria. A jury found British national El Shafee Elsheikh guilty for his role in holding captive 26 Western hostages on behalf of the Islamic State (IS) group.
Elsheikh was part of an IS cell known by their hostages as “The Beatles” because of their British accents. He was captured in 2018 along with Alexanda Kotey, and both were brought to the United States in 2020 to stand trial.
Kotey pleaded guilty in 2021.
On April 14, a jury found Elsheikh guilty on eight counts related to his role in the hostage taking and killing of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff and aid workers Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller.
The families of those hostages welcomed the court ruling, saying that justice has prevailed.
As the trial opened, Diane Foley, whose son James was kidnapped in 2012, underscored the importance of a fair trial.
((Diane Foley, Mother of James Foley))
“I think we must do the opposite of what was done. That to me is the huge contrast. I mean, the British and American hostages were given nothing. They were treated like animals, they were tortured, starved, they received no bit of justice. I think it is important that we show how civilized people should react to others.”
((NARRATOR))
And that is why, experts say, this trial carried major significance.
((For radio))
Stephanie Foggett is an expert at the global security nonprofit The Soufan Center.
((Stephanie Foggett, The Soufan Center)) ((Mandatory credit: Zoom))
“So the U.S. hostage families have been vocal in their wishes for the individuals involved in the abduction and the killing of their children to be held accountable for their actions in a U.S. court of law. So this case really demonstrates how these families were at the forefront and how they've been persistently fighting for their children.”
((NARRATOR))
Those involved in terror activity including kidnappings and killings rarely face trial in the country where their victims were from.
((For radio))
Randall Rogan is a professor of communication at Wake Forest University in North Carolina.
((Randall Rogan, Wake Forest University)) ((Mandatory credit: Zoom))
“For the U.S., I think for others outside of the U.S., it demonstrates the lengths to which the U.S. government and the authorities will go to hold others accountable for the death of Americans outside of the United States, particularly in such egregious circumstances.”
((NARRATOR))
Elsheikh’s trial opens the possibility for U.S. law enforcement agencies to pursue similar cases against foreign nationals responsible for crimes against U.S. citizens abroad, Rogan says.
It also offers a path to the families of others impacted by terror activity overseas who want justice.
((For radio))
Again, Stephanie Foggett of the Soufan Center.
((Stephanie Foggett, The Soufan Center)) ((Mandatory credit: Zoom))
“This may very well prove to be a model for families and survivors in the future. They may choose to look at this case and be like ‘This is what we want. This is the justice that we want for our loved ones.’”
((NARRATOR))
For that to happen in the U.S. again Foggett says, an effective multilateral cooperation with American allies and partners around the world must continue.
Sirwan Kajjo, VOA News, Washington.
NewsML Media TopicsCrime, Law and Justice
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateApril 18, 2022 21:03 EDT
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
