FBIs Progress on Israeli Killing of Journalist Remains Troubling, CPJ Says

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has requested a public update on the status of the FBI investigation into the killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. In an open letter to the Department of Justice and FBI chief Kash Patel, the CPJ expressed concerns over the lack of concrete progress in the case.

The CPJ stated that the effectively stagnant status of the investigation is inconsistent with ensuring the security of US citizens worldwide. The organization noted that there have been no formal interviews with witnesses despite their willingness to cooperate, and no signs of FBI activity gathering evidence in Israel or Palestine.

Abu Akleh was killed by Israeli forces on May 11, 2022, while covering Israeli army raids in Jenin, West Bank. She was wearing a clearly marked press vest at the time of her death. The Israeli military initially accused Palestinian fighters of her death, but later stated that it was not possible to determine the source of the gunfire.

Multiple independent investigations conducted by CNN, The Associated Press news agency, and The Washington Post concluded that Abu Akleh was deliberately targeted. The CPJ is seeking a public update on the status of the investigation, a commitment to a timeline for the investigation, and the public release of its findings.

The organization emphasized the need for an impartial and independent investigation, free from political considerations. Abu Akleh’s family has expressed frustration with the lack of justice, stating that it sends a dangerous message that journalists can be targeted without consequence.

According to the CPJ, since Abu Akleh’s death, Israel has killed 258 journalists and media workers. The organization also noted that Israel has acknowledged killing several journalists, alleging they had links to armed groups, accusations denied by their employers.

Source: Al Jazeera