Slain Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh's brother Anton Abu Akleh, on Wednesday, called on President Joe Biden to investigate the killing of his sister saying “someone must be held accountable.”
Her brother, an American citizen who lives in Jerusalem has said that no action has been taken to determine who killed 52-year-old Shireen. She was killed on May 11 while she was covering an Israeli raid on the northern West Bank city of Jenin.
Anton Abu Akleh said he was shocked that it has been four weeks and nothing has been done. “I would beg him (Biden) to stop these double standards. I think Israel should be — or whoever shot Shireen — should be held accountable. That is what we need. It is his duty as the US president to protect all Americans in the US and overseas,” he told Arab News.
Abu Akleh said that he had received assurances from several US officers including US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and US Ambassador Tom Nides, that an investigation will be made into Shireen's killing.
“The United States is the most powerful country in the world. And looking at Americans getting killed, while covering stories abroad or reporting from abroad is not acceptable. As the US president I would urge him to take immediate action. Israel gets the most aid, more than any other country. I am sure that if this was any other country, they would have sanctioned it until someone is held accountable and is brought to justice. That’s the least he could do. We need justice for Shireen,” he said.
Abu Akleh said that, had it been an American journalist who had been killed anywhere in the world, there would be a probe, accountability and consequences.
The US, in the meantime, has said that an investigation into Shireen's killing should be independent. “We are looking for an independent, credible investigation. When that investigation happens, we will follow the facts wherever they lead,” Blinken told Doha News. He didn't mention which party or group should conduct the investigation.