WASHINGTON, US congressman, André Carson, introduced on Monday the 14th the Justice for Shireen Act, requiring an investigation and report on the death of American-Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, according to a press release published on the congressman’s official website.
Abu Akleh was killed on May 11, 2022, while wearing a clearly marked press vest and reporting on a military raid taking place in the occupied city of Jenin. Later that month, Carson led a letter, signed by 58 Members of Congress, to the FBI and State Department calling for an independent and open investigation. A later investigation by the Israeli government confirmed that an Israeli soldier shot Abu Akleh, in her line of duty as an American journalist. Unfortunately, questions remain unanswered, said the release.
New reports indicate that the FBI has opened an investigation into this killing.
“While I am encouraged by the reports of an FBI investigation, we must ensure a thorough and timely report to Congress on this tragic killing,” said Carson.
“Congress has a duty to protect Americans reporting abroad, preserving the free speech our country was founded on – and Shireen’s family deserves answers, justice, and accountability. We must also ensure that U.S. weapons, equipment, or military services were not used to kill Americans on foreign soil. American taxpayers should not be paying for any violation of human rights abroad,” he added.
The Justice for Shireen Act seeks answers to many unanswered questions, including what happened before, during, and after the killing. This bill would also identify any U.S. defense materials or services involved in Abu Akleh’s death.
Source: Palestine News & Info Agency