A US author has sparked fury after suggesting that the beheading of British aid worker Alan Henning was staged.
Naomi Wolf also took aim at the mass media as she aimed to discredit the authenticity of the video posted online by Islamic State terrorists.
The political activist, in posts made online to her 92,000 Facebook followers, cast doubt over the roles of both former taxi driver Henning and Scot David Haines before they were abducted by freedom fighters.
She wrote: “Okay,two of the hostages just happened to go from long careers in the military to sudden humanitarian work?
“Where are they getting all these folks from?”
The post provoked an angry response from thousands on both Facebook and Twitter.
Mark Boothroyd said: “Don’t insult these people who have given their lives for humanitarian work.
“The activities of all these people have been well documented over the years. They are known people with families and friends who have supported them. Stop spreading conspiracy theories.”
And Matt Hill added: “A minimal amount of research would show you you’re wrong there’s plenty of information out there about the hostages.”
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe