Exclusive Interview with IS Defector

The transcript describes a hostage situation where a man, employed by a Turkish individual, was tasked with convincing hostages of their safety despite being subjected to mock executions. The hostages were told by a man named John that they would not be harmed and that the captors only wanted their government to stop attacking Syria. The captors reassured the hostages repeatedly, emphasizing their safety, but the situation remained tense and uncertain.

What was the role of the person employed by the Turkish man?

• To convince hostages they were safe

• To plan an escape for the hostages

• To negotiate the release of hostages

• To provide food and water to hostages

How did the hostages react to the repeated mock executions?

• They negotiated with the captors

• They tried to escape

• They started to see it as normal

• They became more fearful

What was the main message communicated by John to the hostages?

• They would be executed if demands were not met

• They would be transferred to another location

• Their government needs to stop attacking Syria

• They would be released soon

What was the captors' stated reason for holding the hostages?

• To gain international attention

• To exchange them for prisoners

• To demand ransom money

• To stop attacks on Syria by their government

What did the captors repeatedly assure the hostages?

• They would be freed within a week

• They would be allowed to contact their families

• They were not in any danger

• They would be given better living conditions