CPJ demands public update on stagnant FBI probe into Shireen Abu Akleh killing

The Committee to Protect Journalists has formally demanded a public progress update from United States authorities regarding the investigation into the death of Al Jazeera correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh. In an open letter addressed to the Department of Justice and FBI chief Kash Patel, the organisation characterised the status of the case as effectively stagnant, noting that no demonstrable advancement has occurred since the probe was reportedly opened in November 2022.

The CPJ argues that this inaction represents a failure by the US government to respond to the killing of one of its citizens by a foreign military. The letter highlights a specific lack of concrete progress, including the absence of formal witness interviews despite the willingness of multiple witnesses to cooperate with authorities. Furthermore, the organisation noted there have been no signs of FBI activity to gather evidence in either Israel or Palestine over the preceding four years.

Abu Akleh, a 51-year-old Palestinian-American correspondent for Al Jazeera Arabic, was shot dead in Jenin on 11 May 2022 while wearing a clearly marked press vest during Israeli army raids. While Israel initially blamed Palestinian fighters, the military later stated it was not possible to unequivocally determine the source of the gunfire, though acknowledging a high possibility it came from Israeli forces. Multiple independent investigations by major news organisations have previously concluded that Abu Akleh was deliberately targeted.

The CPJ has called for a commitment to a specific timeline for the criminal investigation and the public release of findings. The organisation emphasised that the inquiry must remain impartial and independent, free from political considerations. The letter asserts that the prevailing culture of impunity is a direct factor in the continued targeting of journalists without deterrence, and without real accountability, such attacks will only continue to escalate.

Abu Akleh's family released a statement reiterating that justice remains elusive and that the lack of accountability sends a dangerous message regarding the safety of journalists. The CPJ noted that since her death, Israel has killed 258 journalists and media workers, though the organisation disputes accusations that some were linked to armed groups as deadly smears. The group described the lack of an independent investigation as emboldening those who seek to silence the truth through violence.