Shireen Abu Aqleh was killed on 11th of May 2022. The journalist was shot dead by an Israeli sniper whilst wearing her Press jacket and a helmet. The UN Security Council has unanimously condemned her murder.

The Secretary-General António Guterres issued the following statement:

“The Secretary-General is appalled by the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American reporter for Al Jazeera TV, who was shot dead earlier today while covering an operation by Israeli security forces in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank.  

He sends his heartfelt condolences to the family of Ms. Abu Akleh and wishes a quick recovery to fellow journalist Ali Samoudi, who was wounded in the same incident.  

He calls on the relevant authorities to carry out an independent and transparent investigation into this incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. 

The Secretary-General condemns all attacks and killings of journalists and stresses that journalists must never be the target of violence. Media workers should be able to carry out their work freely and without harassment, intimidation or the fear of being targeted. The Secretary-General reiterates his firm conviction that a free press is essential for peace, justice, sustainable development and human rights. “

There were then appalling scenes of barbarity at the funeral of Shireen Abu Akleh when Israeli security forces set about beating those carrying her coffin.

Audrey Azoulay, head of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), issued a statement condemning her killing. She said:

“The killing of a clearly identified press worker in a conflict area is a violation of international law. I call on the relevant authorities to investigate this crime and bring those responsible to justice.” 

There are calls for an independent investigation into the killing.

The Orkney News has previously run a series about journalists who have been killed because of the work they do investigating corruption and abuses of power.

In Mexico alone this year, 2022, eleven journalists have been killed. In Ukraine, since the start of the Russian invasion, it is thought that 23 journalists have been killed.

It is very easy to mock the work of the media in the UK but there are those who do strive to report facts, seek out the truth and hold to account those who are abusing their positions.

“I chose journalism to be close to the people,. It might not be easy to change the reality, but at least I could bring their voice to the world.”

Shireen Abu Akleh

What has been concerning is the slowness and the silence of far too many politicians in the UK to condemn the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh. That is unforgiveable.

Fiona Grahame