THE beheading of American journalist, James Foley, at the hands of ISIS militants shocked the world but forensic experts have revealed the video was probably staged, with the murder happening off camera. The UK Times reported that an international forensic science company, which has worked for police forces across Britain, said there is no question Foley was beheaded but that camera trickery and post-production techniques look to have been used. “I think it has been staged,” said one expert in visual forensics, after he was commissioned byThe UK Times to examine the footage. “My feeling is that the execution may have happened after the camera was stopped.” Aymenn al-Tamimi, a fellow at the Middle East Forum think-tank, said over the years ISIS militants have improved the production quality of their videos. The analysis by experts has highlighted a number of inconsistencies that could suggest that the beheading of Foley, which was seen on the video, was not his actual death. Heartbreaking message ... This photo posted on the website freejamesfoley.org shows James Foley in Aleppo, Syria, in July, 2012. Pic: AP Photo/freejamesfoley.org, Nicole Tung Firstly, no blood can be seen, even though the knife is drawn across the neck area at least six times. Secondly, sounds allegedly made by Foley do not appear consistent with what may be expected. The forensic analysis expert said that no incision could be seen on Foley’s neck, though the right hand of the jihadist partially blocked the shot. While the forensics company, which asked to remain anonymous, did not reach a definitive answer they did conclude that at some point an execution of Foley did take place. This comes as a heartbreaking last letter from Foley to his family has been revealed on the Free James Foley Facebook tribute page. While Foley was not permitted to send the letter, a fellow hostage, Danish photographer Daniel Rye Ottosen, memorised it word for word. The 25-year-old spent 13 months imprisoned with Foley and when released in June his first call was to Foley’s mother, Diane, where he dictated every word.
Posted on: Mon, 25 Aug 2014 21:03:00 +0000
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