The distraught mother of a Japanese journalist held captive by the Islamic State group made an eleventh-hour plea for her son's safe release Friday morning.
She urged the government to do whatever it takes to free Kenji Goto, suggesting that it should pay the money demanded.
"To the people of the Japanese government, please save Kenji's life," said Junko Ishido, speaking at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan in Tokyo.