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John Cantlie: Father of British Isis hostage appeals for his release | John Cantlie: Father of British Isis hostage appeals for his release |
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The father of John Cantlie, the British hostage being held by Islamic State militants, has appealed for his son to be released and returned "to those who love him." | The father of John Cantlie, the British hostage being held by Islamic State militants, has appealed for his son to be released and returned "to those who love him." |
In an emotional plea, Paul Cantlie spoke of the pride he had for his son and said he could think of nothing that would bring him "greater joy" than his release. | |
Speaking from his hospital bed with the help of a voice aid, Mr Cantlie said his family experienced "great relief" seeing John for the first time in two years after he appeared in a televised broadcast, but said this was followed by "despair and helplessness." | |
Mr Cantlie said he and his family were trying to communicate with the Islamic State (also known as Isis and Isil) to deliver an "important message regarding John". | |
John Cantlie was seized in northern Syria, where he had been working as an independent photo journalist. | |
He has so far appeared in three propaganda videos, released by Isis, in which he appears say behind a desk in an orange jumpsuit. | |
Referring to the moment he saw John in the clip, Mr Cantlie said: "For the first time in almost two years, we saw John when he made a televised broadcast during which he told viewers that he was still a prisoner of the Islamic State and that maybe he will live and maybe he will die. | Referring to the moment he saw John in the clip, Mr Cantlie said: "For the first time in almost two years, we saw John when he made a televised broadcast during which he told viewers that he was still a prisoner of the Islamic State and that maybe he will live and maybe he will die. |
John Cantlie has appeared in three propaganda videos released by Isis | |
"As a family we experienced great relief seeing and hearing John and knowing that he is alive, but this was followed by the feeling of despair and helplessness." | "As a family we experienced great relief seeing and hearing John and knowing that he is alive, but this was followed by the feeling of despair and helplessness." |
Mr Cantlie said his son had been "seeking out the true story of the suffering of the Syrian people and ensuring the world was made aware of their plight". | |
He said: "John felt a strong need to help in the best way that he could: as an impartial and respected journalist he knew that he could make a difference by acting as a platform for the world to listen to and take notice, using his journalistic skills for the good of the people; as a friend and as a civilian. | |
"I have had many messages saying they cannot conceive what we, his family and all those who love him, must be feeling." | "I have had many messages saying they cannot conceive what we, his family and all those who love him, must be feeling." |
Mr Cantlie went on to speak of the pride he had for his son. | |
He said: "Speaking entirely for myself, this is not how I had imagined I would be passing my 81st year. | |
"I want John to know how very proud I am of him. I can think of no greater joy than seeing him again, released and allowed to return to those who love him." | |
Addressing his son's captors, he said: "To those holding John, please know that he is a good man, he sought to help the Syrian people and I ask you from all that is sacred, to help us and allow him to return home safely to those he loves and those who love him." | |
Additional reporting by Press Association |