Investigations must be held into the actions of the Israeli
security forces, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle
Bachelet said on Saturday, calling for accountability and an end
to impunity.
Her appeal comes in the wake of the killing of Al
Jazeera correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh, who was
fatally shot on Wednesday while covering an Israeli raid in
Jenin, West Bank.
The veteran Palestinian-American journalist was buried in East
Jerusalem on Friday and huge crowds turned out for her funeral.
‘Shocking’ use of force
The High Commissioner issued a statement saying she was following
“with deep distress” the events in the occupied West Bank,
including East Jerusalem.
"Footage of Israeli police attacking mourners at the funeral
procession of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh in East Jerusalem on
Friday 13 May was shocking. Reports indicate that at least 33
people were injured," she said.
Ms. Bachelet said the Israeli use of force,
which was being filmed and broadcast
live, appeared to be
unnecessary and must be promptly and transparently
investigated.
"There must be accountability for the terrible killing not just
of Shireen Abu Akleh but for all the killings and serious
injuries in the occupied Palestinian territory,” she said.
Call for investigations
The UN rights chief reported that 48 Palestinians have been
killed by Israeli security forces so far this year.
The latest death occurred on Saturday when a young man called
Walid al-Sharif, succumbed to injuries sustained during clashes
last month at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem.
“As I have called for many times before, there must
be appropriate investigations into the actions of
Israeli security forces,” said Ms. Bachelet.
“Anyone found responsible should be held to account with penal
and disciplinary sanctions commensurate to the gravity of the
violation. This culture of impunity must end now.”
Security Council condemnation
The killing of Ms. Abu Akleh has sent shockwaves across the
globe, and UN officials have been among those calling for an
investigation.
The journalist was shot even though she wore a vest that
identified her as a member of the press corps. Her producer
also was wounded.
The UN Security
Council issued a statement on Friday strongly condemning
her killing, reiterating that journalists should be protected as
civilians.
The Council also called for an immediate, thorough, transparent,
and fair and impartial investigation into her killing, and
stressed the need to ensure accountability.
