Al Jazeera takes the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh to the ICC

The Hague, the Netherlands – Al Jazeera Media Community has submitted a proper request to the Worldwide Prison Courtroom (ICC) to analyze and prosecute these answerable for killing veteran Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.

Abu Akleh, a tv correspondent with Al Jazeera for 25 years, was killed by Israeli forces on Might 11 as she was overlaying an Israeli navy raid on a refugee camp in Jenin within the northern occupied West Financial institution.

The 51-year-old Jerusalem native and US citizen was a family title and a extensively revered journalist who gave a voice to Palestinians by way of her protection of the Israeli occupation.

‘A wider sample’

The request features a file on a complete six-month investigation by Al Jazeera that gathers all out there eyewitness proof and video footage, in addition to new materials on the killing of Abu Akleh.

The request submitted to the ICC is offered “within the context of a wider assault on Al Jazeera, and journalists in Palestine”, stated Rodney Dixon KC, a lawyer for Al Jazeera, referring to incidents such because the bombing of the community’s Gaza workplace on Might 15, 2021.

“It’s not a single incident, it’s a killing that’s a part of a wider sample that the prosecution ought to be investigating to establish those that are answerable for the killing, and to carry expenses in opposition to them,” he stated.

“The main focus is on Shireen, and this specific killing, this outrageous killing. However the proof we submit seems to be at all the acts in opposition to Al Jazeera as a result of it has been focused as a world media organisation.

“And the proof reveals that what the [Israeli] authorities try to do is to close it up,” Dixon stated.

Al Jazeera hopes the ICC prosecutor “does really begin the investigation of this case” after the community’s request, Dixon stated. The request enhances the criticism submitted to the ICC by Abu Akleh’s household in September, supported by the Palestinian Press Syndicate and the Worldwide Federation of Journalists.

A brand new documentary by Al Jazeera’s Fault Strains reveals how Abu Akleh and different journalists, carrying protecting helmets and bulletproof vests clearly marked with the phrase “PRESS”, have been strolling down a street in view of Israeli forces once they got here beneath fireplace.

Abu Akleh was shot within the head as she tried to defend herself by a carob tree. Al Jazeera producer Ali al-Samoudi was additionally shot within the shoulder.

The brand new proof submitted by Al Jazeera reveals “Shireen and her colleagues have been straight fired at by the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF)”, Al Jazeera Media Community stated in a press release on Tuesday.

The assertion added the proof overturns claims by Israeli authorities that Shireen was killed in crossfire and it “confirms, with none doubt, that there was no firing within the space the place Shireen was, aside from the IOF capturing straight at her”.

“The proof reveals that this deliberate killing was a part of a wider marketing campaign to focus on and silence Al Jazeera,” the assertion stated.

Subsequent steps

Talking exterior the doorway of the ICC on the cloudy, brisk morning after Al Jazeera submitted its request, Lina Abu Akleh, who wore a badge along with her aunt’s face, stated the household was hopeful they’d see “optimistic outcomes quickly”.

“We count on that the prosecutor will search reality and justice and we count on that the courtroom will ship in holding establishments and people accountable of this crime accountable for killing my aunt,” she stated.

Abu Akleh’s older brother, Anton, stated the community’s submission was vital for the household.

“This is essential to us not just for Shireen – nothing can carry Shireen again – however this can be certain that such crimes are stopped and hopefully the ICC will be capable of take speedy motion to place an finish to this impunity.”

Walid al-Omari, the Al Jazeera bureau chief in Jerusalem and a good friend and colleague of Abu Akleh, stated it’s vital to maintain the case alive in public opinion. “We don’t assume Israel ought to escape from accountability.”

As soon as the ICC has reviewed the proof it is going to resolve whether or not it is going to probe Abu Akleh’s killing as a part of ongoing investigations.

‘Maintain killers accountable’

In 2021, the ICC determined it has jurisdiction over the scenario within the occupied Palestinian territory. Al Jazeera’s submission requests the killing of Abu Akleh change into a part of this wider investigation.

“We’re making a request for an investigation that results in expenses being introduced and people accountable being prosecuted,” stated Dixon.

Investigations carried out by the United Nations, Palestinian and Israeli human rights organisations, and worldwide information retailers concluded that Abu Akleh was killed by an Israeli soldier.

The Abu Akleh household has referred to as for a “thorough, clear investigation” by the US FBI and Division of State to disclose the chain of command that led to the demise of a US citizen.

“Briefly, we want [US President Joe] Biden to do in Shireen’s case what his and former US administrations have didn’t do when different Americans have been killed by Israel: Maintain the killers accountable,” Lina Abu Akleh wrote in Al Jazeera in July.

In November the US  introduced an FBI probe into the killing of Abu Akleh, information welcomed by her household.

However, Dixon cautioned, this probe shouldn’t be a cause for the ICC to not act.

“They’ll they will work along with … the FBI, in order that this case doesn’t fall between the cracks, and that these accountable are recognized and placed on trial.”

Debunking shifting narratives

The Fault Strains documentary additionally seems to be intently at Israel’s shifting narratives.

Israel initially falsely blamed armed Palestinians for Abu Akleh’s demise, however in September stated there was a “excessive likelihood” an Israeli soldier “by chance hit” the journalist however that it might not launch a felony investigation.

Hagai El-Advert, director of Israeli human rights organisation B’Tselem, which swiftly debunked the false declare by Israel {that a} Palestinian gunman was answerable for Abu Akleh’s demise, instructed Fault Strains: “They’re additionally very used to getting away with mendacity about killings of Palestinians each within the public area and within the authorized area.”

“The explanation why Al Jazeera made this request is as a result of the Israeli authorities have carried out nothing to analyze the case. The truth is, they’ve stated that they won’t examine, that there’s no suspicion of a criminal offense,” stated Dixon.

Al Jazeera Media Community calls the killing a “blatant homicide” and a “heinous crime”.

“Al Jazeera reiterates its dedication to attaining justice for Shireen and to exploring all avenues to make sure that the perpetrators are held accountable and dropped at justice,” stated the community.