Image courtesy: Reuters
Following the interrupted funeral procession of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, over 100 Indian journalists wrote to the Israeli Prime Minister on May 16, 2022 to demand ‘justice in death’.
Condemning the murder, journalists demanded a transparent investigation by an independent authority to stop more of such targeted attacks and killings. Akleh was shot in the face while reporting a raid by Israeli soldiers from Jenin. Known for her independent reporting, she was wearing a helmet and body armour marked “Press” at the time of her death.
“The shocking assassination – described as such by Al Jazeera – again underlines [the Israeli] government’s inability to accept independent journalism that speaks the truth,” said the signatories to Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Further, they stated that the attack comes from an induced environment of impunity, where Palestinians are targeted by Israeli military at will and journalists pay the price in the crossfire.
The deceased was standing alongside other journalists, including an Al Jazeera producer who was shot in the back but survived. Moreover, during Akleh’s funeral, Israeli police were directed to stop the procession of Palestinians trying to give her a proper burial. Viral videos show how the police resorted to brutal attacks on pall bearers who nearly dropped the casket.
“Videos also record the police beating and kicking mourners. We understand that some kind of enquiry has been ordered, as well as an investigation as to whether the well-known journalist was shot from an Israeli army jeep… We expect strong condemnation from you Sir,” said the letter.
Earlier, Bennett issued a formal statement blaming Palestinians for Akleh’s killing. He claimed that armed Palestinians, firing indiscriminately at the time, killed the journalist. However, Akleh’s colleague vehemently denied this statement. He accused the Israeli forces of firing at them and said that there were no Palestinian resistance fighters at that specific spot.
Related:
Al Jazeera’s Shireen Abu Akleh shot dead in West Bank
Kashmir: Journalist Aasif Sultan jailed under PSA, after getting bail
Kashmir: Journalist Fahad Shah faces fourth FIR now under J&K PSA!