Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed in May while reporting on an Israeli military raid. Her death and funeral in Jersualem drew international attention.
Six months after her death, members of the Abu Akleh family traveled to the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis, and asked him to push for further investigation to be taken into Shireen's death.
LINA ABU AKLEH
Niece of Shireen Abu Akleh
He gave us his blessings, he prayed on Shireen's picture, and we demanded that there is justice, there is accountability.
A Mass in memory of Shireen Abu Akleh, who was a Greek Catholic, was celebrated in Rome. Among those participating was Archbishop Pierbattista Pizzaballa, who heads the Latin Catholic community in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Cyprus.
ABP. PIERBATTISTA PIZZABALLA
Latin patriarch of Jerusalem
Shireen has become an important symbol of the desire of the Palestinian people to live in their homeland with dignity and liberty like any other people. A people that has been waiting for years that this right is given and recognized.
The family says they hope their trip to Rome and meeting with the Pope will push the United States and the International Criminal Court to carry out independent investigations into Shireen's death, who they say was targeted by the Israeli military for her reporting.
LINA ABU AKLEH
Niece of Shireen Abu Akleh
We hope that they continue to pressure the U.S. administration, specifically, to carry out an independent investigation as Shireen was a U.S. citizen. It's really important that there are mechanisms in place to hold perpetrators accountable, and that's why went to the ICC and filed a petition for there to be an investigation. So we hope the Vatican supports all our efforts to seeking justice and accountability.
LAREEN ABU AKLEH
Niece of Shireen Abu Akleh
We're hoping that the Pope could help us achieve this justice, and would help us reach Shireen's voice to the whole world.
Her only weapon was her voice.
The United States has not yet carried out an independent investigation into Abu Akleh's death.
Yet the U.S. State Department spokesperson welcomed the report produced by the Israel Defense Forces stating that there was a high probability that Abu Akleh was “accidentally hit” by Israeli gunfire.
JM
