Posted on Saturday, the video features a man speaking accented Finnish promoting ISIS’ agenda to construct an Islamic state based on a literal interpretation of the Koran and governed by Sharia law.
The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) is an extreme Islamist organisation operating in Syria and Iraq. ISIS is currently engaged in battle against other rebels groups as well as the armed forces of the Syrian government. The organisation announced the creation of a caliphate – or Islamic state – a month ago, seizing control in parts of Iraq and Syria.
The video represents the first concrete evidence of a Finnish recruit to the armed Islamic extremist organisation.
In June, national daily Helsingin Sanomat reported that it had acquired footage of an Espoo man claiming to be an ISIS fighter, however it was unable to verify his identity.
According to the security services, around 40 people have left Finland for Syria. However, there are many parties to the conflict and there is no information as to how many of these departees may have left to join the ranks of ISIS.