Iraqi President Fuad Masum offered condolences Saturday to the family of American journalist James Foley, who was beheaded this week by members of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), according to an NBC News report.
Foley had been missing for several years before ISIS released a video of his killing.
Masum said in letter to Foley’s parents that he felt “the deep pain that is caused to the family, friends and colleagues because of this crime, to us as well, and to all those who appreciate life,” according to the report.
“We have received painfully the grievous news of killing the journalist James Foley, without believing that any human being could perform a bloodthirsty act like this,” Masum wrote.
“This crime is added to the many daily crimes that are done by the terrorists, and stresses on the necessity of boosting the freedom of journalists, guarding their rights to work, and securing the delivery of their news to the audience,” he continued. “This is what the terrorists have not recognized, those who do not care of the dignity of humanity.”
U.S. officials have promised to seek justice for Foley’s killers.