On International Press Freedom Day: Demand Justice for Shireen Abu Akleh
On International Press Freedom Day: Demand Justice for Shireen Abu Akleh and Contact the Department of Justice
On May 11th, 2022, news broke of the death of Palestinian American journalist, Shireen Abu Akleh as she was reporting on an Israeli army incursion into Jenin. Initial reports from official Israeli sources attempted to blame her death on fire from Palestinian insurgents. However, it quickly became clear that the only fighters with a clear line of fire at Shireen and fellow journalists were snipers from the Israeli Occupation Forces. Her death and the violent response by Jerusalem police at her funeral became rallying points of intersection for journalistic and Palestinian freedoms.
Six months after her death, and after Forensic Architecture published a definitive report debunking the ever-evolving Israeli narrative, the US Department of Justice announced that the FBI would be conducting its own investigation into Shireen's death. Israel condemned the announcement and said it would not participate.
It is important to Shireen's family, to journalists and human rights activists around the world, that this investigation be completed and the findings made public. You can help keep Shireen's memory alive by contacting the Department of Justice and inquiring as to the status of the report and urge them to complete and publish their findings:
Use the Department of Justice web form linked to below:
Make the subject of your message either: “Federal Bureau of Investigation” or “Message to the Attorney General"
Copy the text below into the box, or compose your own.
Submit your letter.
Sample Text:
Today is International Press Freedom Day and I am writing to demand justice for Palestinian-American reporter Shireen Abu Akleh. Specifically, I am asking you to complete your investigation into Shireen’s tragic death and publish your findings.
On May 11th, 2022, news broke of Shireen’s death as she was reporting on an Israeli army incursion into the city of Jenin. Initial reports from official Israeli sources attempted to blame her death on fire from Palestinian insurgents. However, it quickly became clear that the only fighters with a clear line of fire at Shireen and fellow journalists were Israeli Occupation Forces. Her death and the violent response by Jerusalem police at her funeral illustrate the disregard for and highlight the intersection between journalistic and Palestinian freedom.
Six months after her death and after Forensic Architecture published a definitive report debunking the ever-evolving Israeli narrative, you, the US Department of Justice, announced that the FBI would be conducting its own investigation into Shireen's death.
It is important to Shireen's family, to journalists and human rights activists around the world, and to each of us horrified by the lack of accountability for the tragic murder of a fellow American citizen, that this investigation be completed and the findings made public.
Again, for the sake of justice, I am asking you to complete and publish your findings.
Regards,
[Your Name]