[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 86 (Thursday, May 19, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2615]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       DEATH OF SHIREEN ABU AKLEH

  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I join Secretary Blinken in calling for a 
thorough, impartial investigation of the tragic death of widely 
respected Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, in the 
Jenin refugee camp on May 4. According to press reports, Israel has 
already launched an investigation. Some Members of Congress have called 
for the FBI to be involved. I echo that recommendation. The 
investigation will also require the participation of Palestinian 
authorities. Too often, shootings of unarmed civilians in the occupied 
territories have gone unpunished. This must not be one of those cases.
  In addition, Israeli authorities must hold accountable those who were 
responsible for, and participated in, the chaos that erupted during Ms. 
Abu Akleh's funeral procession, when Israeli police beat mourners with 
batons, including the pallbearers, causing them to momentarily drop one 
end of the casket. The explanation provided by Israeli police 
officials, that mourners had been chanting nationalist slogans and 
waving Palestinian flags, in no way justifies their lack of judgment, 
disrespect, and use of unnecessary force in what should have been a 
solemn, peaceful procession deserving of their protection.

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