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Kotey, a British ISIS member, faces life in prison without parole but will avoid the death penalty.
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He acknowledged his role in the kidnapping and execution of two journalists and two US aid workers.
He will not face the death penalty, under extradition provisions by Britain, which has stripped Kotey of his citizenship because of his membership in the Islamic State terrorist group.
Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh, 33, were arrested in Syria by a US-backed Kurdish militia in 2018. They were identified as members of “The Beatles”, a cell made up of English-speaking jihadists who swear allegiance to the self-proclaimed “caliphate” group. in parts of Syria and Iraq.
The terrorist duo were charged with the deaths of journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff, as well as aid workers Peter Kassig and Kayla Mueller.
Prosecutors said Kotey and Elsheikh oversaw the facility where the detainees were being held and engaged in a prolonged pattern of physical and psychological violence against the hostages.
In their initial appearance before Judge TS Ellis last October, Kotey pleaded not guilty. However, according to Ellis via video, Kotey has changed his confession.
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