Congressman Andre Carson said that over 50 US lawmakers have signed a letter demanding the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) investigate the Israeli killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh,
This came hours after the Israeli occupation said it will not launch a criminal inquiry into the incident.
“As we all continue to mourn the loss of this great journalist, fellow American, who was tragically killed while on assignment, we want answers,” said Carson, who is helping lead the congressional letter.
“And we need to ensure that these answers are accurate, that they are transparent and that they are timely,” he added.
“Given the tenuous situation in the region and the conflicting reports surrounding the death of Ms. Abu Akleh, we request the State Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) launch an investigation into Ms. Abu Akleh’s death.”
“We also request the US Department of State determines whether any US laws protecting Ms. Abu Akleh, an American citizen, were violated,” it reads. “As an American, Ms. Abu Akleh was entitled to the full protections afforded to US citizens living abroad.”
The letter is addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and FBI Director Christopher Wray.
“The State Department called her killing an affront to media freedom. I couldn’t agree more. As the world’s leading democracy, we have a responsibility to protect the free press, not just in our own country but around the world,” Carson said.
Abu Akleh, who held US citizenship, was killed by the Israeli occupation on 11 May 2022 in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin while covering an Israeli raid.
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