New IS Hostages (Photo : YouTube)
Although the Islamic State (IS) continues to commit various crimes, ranging from mass slaughter to running a sex slave trade, it had not been reported to seize foreign hostages for ransom lately.
However, on Wednesday, that changed as Associated Press reported that the terrorist organization had kidnapped a Norwegian and Chinese and is demanding payment of ransom for their release. So far, there has been no threat of beheading if the ransom for 48-year-old Johan Grismgaard Ofstaf from Oslo and 50-year-old Fan Jinghui from Beijing is not paid.
As proof that is holding the two foreigners as prisoners, the IS posted their photos on its online magazine Dabiq. Fan, a freelance consultant, and Ofstaf, who was captured in January and being held in Syria, were seen wearing yellow prison clothes. Below their photos is a big sign that reads: "FOR SALE," reports CNN.
Along with the sign is a note under an Iraqi phone number that says the sale is for a limited period. Also included in Dabiq are more information about the two hostages such as their jobs, place of birth, date of birth and residential address.
On the same day that the IS posted their photos, Norwegian President Erna Solberg confirmed that Ofstaf is being held hostage by the terror group. However, Norway would not bow down to the IS demand, she said.
"This is a matter that the government is taking very seriously. We neither can nor give in to pressure from terrorists and criminals. Norway does not pay ransom," Solberg said. She added, "This is a principle we cannot depart from in the face of cynical terrorists. Payment of ransom would increase the risk that other Norwegian nationals will be taken hostage."
