U.S. Lawmaker Reintroduces Justice for Shireen Act to Probe Journalist’s Killing

Representative André Carson (D-IN) has reintroduced the Justice for Shireen Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, a bill that would require a Congressional report on the killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh and mandate an independent investigation into the circumstances of her death. The move reflects ongoing legislative efforts to address accountability and transparency in the case, which has drawn sustained international attention.

Abu Akleh, a veteran correspondent known for her reporting on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, was fatally shot on 11 May 2022 while covering an Israeli military raid in the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. Early evidence and multiple media investigations suggested that she was killed by Israeli Defense Forces fire, and independent human rights inquiries have raised questions about responsibility and protections for journalists in conflict zones.

The reintroduced legislation would require the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of State to prepare a public report for Congress on the killing, including findings related to the circumstances of her death and any involvement of U.S. military products, assistance or personnel. Proponents argue the measure would strengthen accountability mechanisms and clarify whether protections owed to U.S. citizens were upheld in this case.

Carson has championed the bill alongside lawmakers from both parties and rights-advocacy groups, some of which have previously sent letters urging congressional action on the issue. Supporters say that requiring a transparent U.S.-led accounting is essential to upholding press freedom and ensuring that American journalists or dual citizens killed abroad receive a thorough investigation and closure for their families.

The Justice for Shireen Act has precedent: similar legislation was first introduced in 2022 and advocated for again in past sessions of Congress, with backing from dozens of organisations, including press freedom and human rights groups that highlighted the need for rigorous government review of the incident and broader protections for journalists.

The bill’s progress in the current session remains to be seen, and supporters acknowledge political complexities surrounding U.S. foreign policy and relations in the Middle East. Nevertheless, Carson’s reintroduction of the measure underscores ongoing legislative and advocacy efforts aimed at securing transparency, accountability, and justice for the killing of a prominent journalist whose death resonated widely in press freedom and human rights communities worldwide.

Reference –

https://www.quiverquant.com/news/Press+Release%3A+Congressman+Andr%C3%A9+Carson+Reintroduces+Justice+for+Shireen+Act+to+Investigate+Journalist%27s+Killing

https://carson.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-carson-reintroduces-justice-shireen-act