BBG condemns reported murder of U.S. journalist James Foley
The Broadcasting Board of Governors tonight condemned the reported beheading of American journalist James Wright Foley by the Islamist extremist group Islamic State and the threat to murder another journalist, both of which were featured in a video allegedly produced and released by the group.
“Such horrific acts demonstrate utter disregard for human rights and justice,” said Jeff Shell, chairman of the BBG. “Journalists such as Mr. Foley risk everything to enlighten people around the world with the true picture of what is happening in conflict zones. Killing and threatening journalists does nothing but cover up the true story and demonstrate how brutal some of its actors are.”
The video was released nearly two years to the day since Alhurra TV reporter Bashar Fahmi went missing in Aleppo, Syria. There has been no word regarding his whereabouts or well-being since then. Alhurra TV is operated by the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. and funded by the U.S. government through a grant by the BBG, which oversees MBN.
Shell renewed the BBG’s call for anyone with information to come forward regarding Fahmi’s whereabouts.