'We will bring justice': US Press Club honors Shireen Abu Akleh
Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akure, amid calls for accountability for her assassination, said she was honored with the National Press Club’s Presidential Award for her contributions to journalism after her death. Awarded.
Abu Akleh’s niece, Lina Abu Akleh, couldn’t hold back tears when she accepted the award on behalf of the late correspondent at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday.
Dozens of journalists in attendance gave a standing ovation as the young Abu Akleh took the stage.
“I wish Shireen had come to pick this up in person. Unfortunately, we lost her too soon,” said Lina. “It is sad that she was killed by an Israeli sniper while working as a journalist. I would like to accept this award on behalf of my aunt, who is my best friend, role model and source of inspiration. I am honored to receive the
Abu Akure, a U.S. citizen, was fatally shot dead by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank in May, sparking international outcry and calls for an independent investigation into her killing.
A veteran correspondent who worked for Al Jazeera for 25 years, he regularly appeared on Middle Eastern television screens, telling the stories and struggles of Palestinians living under occupation.
A call to accountability
National Press President Jen Judson of his club said the award is not given annually, but for significant achievements in journalism.
That year, the club decided to award Abu Akure with a presidential award for her bravery and achievement, Judson told Al Jazeera. “Another reason why giving Shireen this award this year is so important is that it keeps the conversation going and raises even more awareness for her.
Judson urged Washington to conduct its own investigation into the murders, saying it became more difficult to conduct an accurate investigation as time went on.
Rina Abu Akleh has expressed her disappointment with the US government’s response to the murder of her aunt.
“Shireen’s justice is linked to Palestinian justice,” Rina said.
“We expected the President of the United States to take this case seriously, as would similar cases. But we never give up. We will bring justice to Shireen,” she said.
Lina was one of the main voices calling for justice for her aunt. In July, she and her other family members traveled to Washington to seek an independent inquiry.