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Slain Reporter's Parents Call Son 'Martyr For Freedom'

Nicole Tung/freejamesfoley.org via AP
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https://flic.kr/p/aiPeg4

The parents of journalist James Foley, who was killed by the militant group the Islamic State, say their son is now a martyr for freedom.

“Jimmy did his work. So it's up to others to pick up the ball and go forward. You know?” said John Foley, James’ father, “Our government, other foreign governments. How long are we going to tolerate all this?”

Speaking to the press outside their home in Rochester earlier today, Foley’s parents said eye-witnesses had already told them their son was still alive.

“We just kept thinking that somehow, we’re getting closer, we know he’s alive. You know, we just ran out of time, he ran out of time,” said Diane Foley.

Foley’s parents were joined by his brother, Michael Foley, and the family praised James’ bravery and commitment to his work.

“Jimmy could not sit back. He just could not sit back without either trying to help or comment,” said John Foley.

They also pleaded with his captors to release any other hostages. They say they hope that their son’s death will serve to bring the country together.

President Obama called the family to offer his condolences. 

Sam Evans-Brown has been working for New Hampshire Public Radio since 2010, when he began as a freelancer. He shifted gears in 2016 and began producing Outside/In, a podcast and radio show about “the natural world and how we use it.” His work has won him several awards, including two regional Edward R. Murrow awards, one national Murrow, and the Overseas Press Club of America's award for best environmental reporting in any medium. He studied Politics and Spanish at Bates College, and before reporting was variously employed as a Spanish teacher, farmer, bicycle mechanic, ski coach, research assistant, a wilderness trip leader and a technical supporter.
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