Britons accused in beheading of hostages plead not guilty

Alexanda Amon Kotey, left, and El Shafee Elsheikh (Hussein Malla/AP)

Two British men charged with helping the Islamic State group carry out executions and ransom negotiations for Western hostages have pleaded not guilty in a US federal court.

El Shafee Elsheikh and Alexanda Kotey are identified by authorities as two of four men who were dubbed “the Beatles” by hostages, who took note of their British accents.