According to Radio.com & Daily Mail
Alexanda Amon Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh are being charged in U.S. courts for the murders of American citizens in Syria. Together with two other former British citizens, they composed an Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) gang known in the press as “The Beatles” because of their British accents. They are alleged to have tortured and murdered journalist Jim Foley, Steven Sotloff, former Army Ranger turned aid worker Peter Kassig, and aid worker Kayla Mueller.
“These charges are the product of many years of hard work in pursuit of justice for our citizens slain by ISIS. Although we cannot bring them back, we can and will seek justice for them, their families, and for all Americans,” Attorney General William P. Barr said in a press release. “Our message to other terrorists around the world is this — if you harm Americans, you will face American arms on the battlefield or American law in our courtrooms. Either way, you will be pursued to the ends of the earth until justice is done.”
Both of the ISIS ‘Beatles’ who were brought to the US from Iraq this week to face charges of murdering dozens of western hostages pleaded not guilty on Friday.
Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh were both indicted on eight charges relating to the killings of four American hostages in Syria.
The UK has agreed to give over evidence that could help secure convictions.
US Attorney General Bill Barr had to agree not to pursue the death penalty in order for the men to be brought to the US to face justice.
They are accused by the State Department of murdering two dozen hostages including Americans James Foley, Steven Sotloff, Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller, and at least eight other hostages from different countries, including the UK.
The men previously claimed in interviews while they were being held in military custody that they did not take part in the executions.
They were two of four British terrorists within the organization known as the Beatles because of their English accents.
The most prolific was Mohamed Emwazi, better known as Jihadi John. He appeared in beheading videos wearing a black hooded out fit. He was killed in a US drone strike in 2016.
