In a joint written statement made by UN human rights experts, it was stated that the killing of Abu Akile was an attack on the freedom of the press and expression, and said, “The competent authorities are not responsible for harming journalists, but to protect journalists within the framework of international human rights law.” expression was used.
“ATTACK ON THE PRESS AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION”
The statement condemned the killing of Abu Akile, while “the killing of Abu Akile, who is only doing his duty as a journalist, may constitute a war crime.” evaluation was made. Underlining that this murder is also an attack on the freedom of press and expression, the statement underlined the importance of journalists being able to work safely in the occupied Palestinian territories.
“We demand an urgent, independent, impartial, effective, comprehensive and transparent investigation into the killing of Abu Aqila.” In the statement, it was noted that Israeli and Palestinian authorities should also cooperate in this investigation process.
HE WAS KILLED WHILE WEARING A PRESS VEST
Shirin Abu Akile, 51, an experienced field reporter for Qatar-based Al Jazeera television, was exposed to fire opened by Israeli soldiers while he was following the raid by Israeli forces on the Jenin Refugee Camp in the occupied West Bank the previous day.
While he was doing his duty and while wearing a steel vest with the “press” written on it, Abu Akile was shot by Israeli soldiers with live bullets and was wounded in the head, and died.
Journalist Ali es-Sumudi, who was with Abu Akile in the incident, was also injured in the back.