03/10/2014

Father Of Hostage John Cantalie In IS Appeal

The father of UK hostage John Cantlie has appealed for him to be released.

Paul Cantalie made the appeal from his hospital bed.

He said: "My family and I are trying to communicate with the Islamic State to deliver an important message regarding John and can only hope that it has been received as we have had no response," he said.

"To those holding John: please know that he is a good man, he sought only 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 who love him."

The IS released a video last month of journalist John dressed in orange and sitting behind a desk as he spoke to the camera.

MR Cantalie, 43, was captured in northern Syria in 2012, where he had been working at the time.

His father continued: "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.

"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 my dear son released and allowed to return home to us."

(CD/IT)

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