"I share the emotion, I share the compassions, I share also the outrage," the French leader said upon arrival at the French Indian Ocean island of Reunion.
"To kill, to assassinate a journalist in these conditions, a journalist who had already been held for two years, to put on the internet the video of his murder, that is a sign of barbarism."
Hollande added: "there is a rule which applies in all civilised society that the press must be protected."
"Dispersed, scattered, with several heads, it is a terrorist organization that has decided to enslave, to annihilate, to destroy," he said.
"And if the world doesn't organise regarding this group there will be other equally appalling images, which won't only concern journalists, they've crucified people," he added.
Hollande repeated a call for an international conference on tackling the Islamic State and on protecting Iraq's security.
Condolences and shocked messages poured in worldwide after the Islamist group released a video of Foley's beheading late Tuesday.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
