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New message believed to be from Japanese hostage posted online: report

Xinhua, January 28, 2015 Adjust font size:

A new video showing a likely image of Japanese hostage Kenji Goto, together with an audio statement have been posted on the internet and the Japanese government is now verifying them, local media reported late Tuesday.

In the audio message, a man who claimed to be Goto claimed the swift release of Sajida al-Rishawa, who is being held on death row in a Jordanian prison for her part in the terror attacks on three hotels in Amman in 2005.

"I've been told this is my last message, and I've been told that the barrier obstructing my freedom is now just the Jordanian government delaying the handover of Sajida," the voice said, according to Japan's Kyodo News Agency.

The message also said: "I only have 24 hours left to live."

A Japanese government sources said it is aware of the statement, adding it was likely posted by the hostage-taker, namely the Islamic State (IS) militant group. According to local media, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga will meet press shortly following the new message. Endi