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HR 3477 The Justice for Shireen Act July 2023
On May 11, 2022, Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist wearing a flak jacket with the word PRESS clearly marked, was shot and killed while covering an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin. Since then, over 100 members of Congress have signed letters calling for a transparent and thorough investigation that would result in accountability for those found responsible for her killing.
On May 18, 2023, Rep. André Carson re-introduced the “Justice for Shireen Act” in Congress (HR 3477). HR 3477 will require a report to Congress identifying those responsible for Shireen Abu Akleh's death and assessing what US defense materials might have been used in her killing. The bill will also require that the report to Congress be unclassified and made available to the public.
Previously, on November 14, 2022, Rep. André Carson introduced a similar “Justice for Shireen Act” in Congress (HR 9291). That same day, it was reported that the FBI had now opened an investigation into Shireen Abu Akleh's death. While HR 9291 did not pass, there is still time to ensure a thorough investigation through HR 3477.
While the FBI engages in a criminal investigation, the updated HR 3477 will ensure an important level of transparency for Congress, Shireen Abu Akleh’s family, and the American public. It is important that we continue to push for both accountability and transparency as the US investigates this killing.
When he was in the region last summer, President Biden called for a “full and transparent accounting” of the death of Shireen Abu Akleh. The Justice for Shireen Act will provide that accounting.
Additional Resources:
Congressional Record: Reintroduction of Justice for Shireen Act
Al Jazeera: US Groups Demand Abu Akleh Probe via Justice for Shireen Act
Public Statement: CMEP Joins 60+ Organizations in Support of the Justice for Shireen Act
HR 3477 The Justice for Shireen Act July 2023