United States: elected Democrats call for an investigation into the assassination of Shireen Abu Akleh
Al-Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed in Jenin, West Bank, on May 11, 2022. AP
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In the United States, elected Democrats are calling for an investigation into the death of the American-Palestinian journalist from Al Jazeera, killed during an Israeli raid in Jenin, in the West Bank, on May 11.
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With our correspondent in New York
,
Loubna Anaki
The letter was signed by 57 House Democrats and is addressed to Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and the Director of the FBI.
In it, elected officials say they are worried about reports contradicting the version put forward by the Israeli authorities, according to which the journalists were caught in the middle of exchanges of fire near Jenin.
“
Witnesses and other journalists present claim that they identified themselves to the Israeli army,
” the document reads.
“
We call on the State Department and the FBI to open an independent investigation into the circumstances of the death of Shireen Abu Akleh
,” write the elected officials.
That's why I've sent a letter to @SecBlinken and @FBI Director Wray asking them to open up an investigation into her death.
Thanks to my colleagues, Rep.
@BillPascrell and @RepLouCorrea, for co-leading this letter and to all cosigners lending their voice to this important effort.
pic.twitter.com/SL5S9OH4Ua
— André Carson (@RepAndreCarson) May 20, 2022
A singular detail, this letter was initially written by two elected officials whose positions are usually opposed on issues related to Israel.
André Carson has always defended Palestinian rights and denounced Israeli colonization operations.
While Lou Correa has always supported the positions of the Jewish state.
As Shireen Abu Akleh is an American citizen, elected officials believe that Washington must determine whether the American laws protecting her have been violated.
►
To read also What investigation into the death of Shireen Abu Akleh?
So far, the State Department believes that Israel has the capabilities to conduct a thorough and comprehensive investigation.
But the Israeli army has already indicated that it will not open any criminal investigation immediately.
►
See also Jerusalem: clashes during the funeral of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh
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