The OPC joins family and friends of journalist James Foley in sympathy and support today following unconfirmed reports that he may have died at the hands of his captives. The Islamic State (ISIS) on Tuesday claimed to have executed him after 18 months in captivity. He was abducted on Thanksgiving Day, 2012.
If these reports turn out to be true, the OPC expresses sadness and grief over the loss of a courageous journalist, colleague and friend.
Foley’s parents, John and Diane Foley, lit a candle at the OPC Awards Dinner in 2013 in memory of journalists who died in the line of duty and in honor of those injured, missing or abducted.
In an interview with WGBH in Boston, Global Post editor Charles M. Sennott expressed his deep regret about the news, and his admiration for the Foley family. Sennott serves on the board of the OPC Foundation.
“It’s really our saddest day and our hearts really go out to the Foley family, go out in every way possible, go out in every tangible way we can help, because the Foleys are amazing,” he said. “The Foley family in New Hampshire has been so strong. John and Diane, his parents, are very faithful people. His siblings are so strong.”
A video was posted on Youtube Wednesday claiming to depict Foley’s execution. The FBI on Wednesday morning told Foley’s family they believed the video to be authentic.