MIAMI, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- The family of slain American journalist Steven Sotloff has issued a challenge to Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to explain why he violated Quranic tenets when he had Steven murdered.
Family spokesman Barak Barfi, speaking in Arabic, read the statement in front of television cameras outside the Sotloff home in Miami late Wednesday.
"I have a message for Abu Bakr," began Barfi, who has been helping the Sotloff family's efforts to secure Steven's release following his capture a year ago in Syria.
"You said Ramadan is a month of mercy but where is your mercy? You speak of Islam and the Holy Quran but I know the Quranic verses," said Barfi, who then recited a verse about God's condemnation of oppressors.
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"Abu Bakr, I am ready to debate you," Barfi challenged. "I come in peace. I don't have a sword in my hand. I am ready for your answer."
On Tuesday, the Islamic State posted a video online entitled "A Second Message to America" showing the beheading of Sotloff in response to continued U.S. military action in Iraq.
A week earlier, Sotloff's mother, Shirley, appealed to Baghdadi in a recorded video message aired by Al Arabyia news station, addressing him by his self-proclaimed title of "Caliph" and asking him "to use your authority to spare his life and to follow the example set by the Prophet Muhammad who protected People of the Book," a reference to Christians and Jews.
Barfi concluded his statement Wednesday with resolve: "Today, we grieve. This week, we mourn. But we will emerge from this ordeal ... We will not allow our enemies to hold us hostage with the sole weapons they possess, fear."
