He’s not telling his Islamic followers to stop the barbaric executions, that appears OK; what he’s asking them to do is to stop recording and sharing video of the executions – apparently, that’s creating a bad image.
This announcement follows a video a few days ago where a few-month-old baby was wrapped in an explosive vest and detonated during an teaching exhibition to show how it’s done.
(Via Daily Mail) ISIS chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi has issued a decree banning the barbaric execution videos his militants have become famous for – because he’s worried about their image.
Al-Baghdadi is said to have sent a letter to all of his media offices saying they were no longer allowed to show graphic, violent scenes in their carefully edited videos, which caught the attention of the wider world with the emergence of ‘Jihadi John’ in 2014.
He is said to have claimed the decision was based on not offending other Muslims, who might think the videos are scary for children.
Some agree the videos, which often show people being put to death in horrific ways, including being drowned in cages, thrown off buildings and blowing people up, are not good for the image of the so-called caliphate.
But then there are others who think the disgusting and barbaric clips, which they proudly share, are good for intimidating their opponents.
Syrian politician and lawyer Ferid Hisso has pointed out, however, that video or no video, it seems like there will be no let up in the cruel and inhuman acts in ISIS controlled territory.
‘Instead of banning the release of such videos, Baghdadi should have rather banned the crimes behind the scenes.
‘But he has already justified the barbarism of his followers, and his decision makes no sense,’ Hisso told ARA News. (read more)
