The family of ISIS hostage John Cantlie accused the militant group on Monday of cutting off negotiations seeking the British journalist's release. Jessica Cantlie, the hostage's sister, released a videotaped statement that dismissed ISIS's claims that there had been no attempt to engage with the group. "We had previously been in contact through a channel started by you, but then this stopped for reasons best known to you," she said. She challenged ISIS to reopen talks.
John Cantlie, a photographer who worked for the Sunday Times of Britain, was taken captive in Syria alongside American reporter James Foley nearly two years ago. Cantlie has appeared in a propaganda video called "Lend Me Your Ears" in which he says — apparently by force — that he has been "abandoned" by his government and promises more "programs" to come. Cantlie's terminally ill father released his own video statement this month pleading for his release.
IN-DEPTH
- ISIS Video Shows Captive British Journalist John Cantlie
Father of ISIS Hostage Journalist John Cantlie Issues Hospital-Bed Plea
—Jon Schuppe
