Switzerland: IFJ repeats call for an investigation into Shireen Abu Akleh’s death
Over 100 representatives from the UK, EU, US and China heard from the IFJ and lawyers involved in the campaign for justice.
The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has supported calls by the International Federation of Journalists for an urgent investigation into the murder of Shireen Abu Akleh. At a meeting of the Human Rights Council on 21 September, Nasser Abu Baker, IFJ president, said “If the International Criminal Court does not investigate the death of Shireen Abu Akleh soon, it will lose all credibility among journalists and the Palestine people.”
Abu Akleh’s death in May 2022 by Israeli forces despite wearing a clearly marked ‘PRESS’ vest sparked worldwide condemnation and anger at impunity experienced by Israeli forces who systematically target journalists.
In September 2022, a complaint to the International Criminal Court (ICC) was submitted by the International Federation of Journalists, Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate and the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians. The NUJ has urged Karim Khan, ICC prosecutor to open an investigation into Abu Akleh’s death.
Jim Boumelha, IFJ treasurer, who chaired the meeting said:
“Journalists everywhere have been appalled by this killing and are looking to the ICC to take action. The IFJ will keep up the pressure until it does.”