The mother of 20-year-old Briton Reyaad Khan who has appeared in a jihadist propaganda video believed to have been filmed in Syria has launched an emotional plea for his return.
“Reyaad, please come back home,” she begged, “I am dying for you. You are my only son.”
The origins of Khan’s radical views are unclear. While at school in Cardiff, he had shown an interest in British politics and former school friends have said he was moderate in his views.
But in 2013 his interest in religion seemed to peak and he successfully applied to study at the Madinah University in Saudi Arabia, which has a heavy focus on Islamic subjects.
Concern over Khan’s extreme views also led to him being banned from speaking at two British universities in 2013.
“Absolutely shocked to see how his character has changed,” his mother continued. “He is a lovely boy that any mother could ever have and want. He always, always cared for his family – always wanted to be there for them. He’s just one of those best boys any mother could ever want.”
Khan is also alleged to have known the ringleaders of a foiled terror attempt on the London Stock Exchange although it is not clear if they influenced his beliefs.
