Peter Kassig video: Police investigate reports British student Nasser Muthana was involved in Syrian soldier mass execution
Muthana’s father has denied his son was among 16 jihadists in beheading video
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Police are investigating reports an aspiring medical student from Cardiff is among Britons who appeared in an Isis video showing the mass execution of 17 Syrian servicemen and an American hostage.
Nasser Muthana was thought to be one of the Islamic State militants who seen in a 16-minute video showing the brutal execution of US aid worker Peter Kassig.
His father Ahmed Muthana said his son should be killed if it is proven he did take part in the executions, telling The Evening Standard: “A head for a head.” However, Mr Muthana later expressed doubt it was his son in the video, telling the BBC: "It doesn't look like him, much difference. This one's got a big nose, my one has a flat nose."
He added: "I don't believe it's him. I haven't seen the video. I have just seen pictures. I took a closer look and it doesn't look like him."
Muthana and his 17-year-old brother Aseel left Britain and travelled to Syria last year to fight for Isis (also known as Islamic State).
He previously appeared in the 13-minute ‘There is No Life Without Jihad’ propaganda video explaining his motivation for going to fight with the militant group.
Muthana’s father was not sure if he believed it was his son in the video after being shown a still from the footage but said the image “resembled” Muthana.
He described struggling to imagine his son involved in such atrocities, adding: “He must be mentally ill — either that or there is something else not right”.
Mr Muthana said the impact on his family had been "very difficult". He said: "It's like somebody takes a part of you. How do you feel if somebody takes your hands. These kids are doing bad things”.
"Cardiff has a strong and peaceful Islamic community which has long distanced itself from the extremist views reported.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments