Shireen Abu Akleh case: Al Jazeera hands over file on IDF to ICC
Lina Abu Akleh, niece of slain Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, waits outside the ICC in The Hague, Tuesday, December 6, 2022, after Al Jazeera submitted a letter calling for an official investigation into the murder.
AP - Peter Dejong
Text by: RFI Follow
2 mins
The Qatari television channel Al Jazeera announced on Tuesday December 6 that it had submitted to the office of the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) a file incriminating the Israeli army for the death of its Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, killed in May.
“
We oppose
it,” reacted Washington.
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With our correspondent in The Hague,
Stéphanie Maupas
The chain's lawyers claim to have transmitted new evidence to the prosecutor.
Testimonies and videos that would show that the shooting of the journalist was deliberate, which Israel rejects.
In 2021, the prosecutor's office opened an investigation into crimes committed in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
But several lawyers and NGOs have been denouncing the supposed inaction of the Court for months.
For Me Rodney Dixon, the case will take time, but the filing of evidence marks a first step.
What we are saying is that the first step must be taken.
So far, nothing has happened.
With this evidence, the prosecutor can start now.
He can interview witnesses, start building the case and consider going to Palestine too, to see the situation with his own eyes.
The prosecutor is clearly competent in this case, the judges have confirmed this.
And if there is sufficient evidence, which we say, then they can issue charges.
The lawyers are hoping for an investigation that goes up the chain of command and targets the Israeli authorities at the highest level.
On Monday, the prosecutor announced his intention to visit the Occupied Palestinian Territories next year.
The United States said on Tuesday it opposed Al Jazeera's referral to the ICC, reiterating its objections to investigations involving Israel.
"
The International Criminal Court must focus on its primary mission
", which they say is to be "
the court of last resort to punish and deter atrocious crimes
".
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To read also:
Israel slams FBI probe into death of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh
Jerusalem: clashes during the funeral of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh
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