18
May
2022
Watch
The killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Aqla and the violent incidents at her funeral (debate)
Mr President, dear colleagues, the loss of any innocent life is a tragedy, and so is the death of Shireen Abu Aqla. I am equally disturbed by the violence seen at her funeral, but the rush to any judgement before the conclusion of a credible investigation is irresponsible. Shireen Abu Aqla was killed during the Israeli anti-terror operation following the murder of 19 Israelis in a spate of terror attacks within the past few weeks. Despite overtures by the Israeli authorities to conduct a joint investigation with the Palestinian authorities, the Palestinian side has refused this offer. The tragic death of Shireen Abu Aqla is a sad reminder of the spiral of violence taking place that continues to haunt this region. That is why we must seek the truth by supporting a joint inquiry rather than fuel any flames of hate and violence. Finally, let me also state that we must do all in our power to ensure mechanisms and safeguards to protect journalists. In 2021 only, 55 journalists have been killed around the world, while a free press is one of the key pillars to support freedom and democracy and society that protects human rights. Here in Europe, the brutal killings of Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta and Ján Kuciak in Slovakia are a stark reminder that the pressure from international communities to impartial investigation plays an important role in ensuring the truth is exposed and the perpetrators are brought to justice.