Brits accused in beheading of hostages plead not guilty
(AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File)ALEXANDRIA, Va. โ Two British men charged with helping the Islamic State group carry out executions and ransom negotiations for Western hostages pleaded not guilty Friday in a federal court. At a brief hearing Friday in the court just outside Washington, D.C., the two men pleaded not guilty and requested a jury trial. No trial date was set after both men waived their right to a speedy trial because of the case's complexity. A status hearing was set for Jan. 15 to set a trial date then. โThis involves a long investigation involving multiple countries,โ Fitzpatrick said when asked about the volume of evidence that must be weighed.
US charges British IS members in deaths of American hostages
El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Kotey are two of four men who were dubbed โthe Beatlesโ by the hostages because of the captors' British accents. The charges are a milestone in a yearslong effort by U.S. authorities to bring to justice members of the group known for beheadings and barbaric treatment of aid workers, journalists and other hostages in Syria. โIf you have American blood in your veins or American blood on your hands, you will face American justice,โ said Demers, the department's top national security official. The indictment charges the men in connection with the deaths of four American hostages โ Foley, journalist Steven Sotloff and aid workers Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller โ as well as European and Japanese nationals who were also held captive. In July 2014, according to the indictment, Elsheikh described to a family member his participation in an IS attack on the Syrian Army.
Ringing in No. 80 for Ringo: Celebrate the 80th birthday of iconic Beatles member with this quiz
There is an iconic musician whoโs celebrating a big birthday on Tuesday, and Ringo is his name-O. R-I-N-G-O is turning 8-0! R-I-N-G-O is turning 8-0! Excuse the mild spoof on the famous nursery rhyme, โBingo,โ but itโs a good way to describe a big day for a member of arguably the worldโs most iconic band. Ringo Starr turns 80 on Tuesday, and what better way to celebrate his life and achievements than by trying your hand at this quiz about the former drummer for โThe Beatles,โ and solo artist.