Israel

Israeli Police Avoid Punishment for Misconduct at Abu Akleh's Funeral

MAY 26 2022·Updated DEC 24 2022

Story

Image credit: AP [via The Times of Israel]

The Facts

An Israeli probe into clashes between officers and attendants at slain Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh's funeral in Jerusalem last month has reportedly revealed police misconduct but concluded that nobody should be penalized - a decision allegedly made prior to the investigation.
Haaretz
Israel police announced on Wed. that conclusions were presented to Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai and Public Security Minister Omer Barlev, with Shabtai conceding that there were officer wrongdoings.
The Times of Israel
Akleh was fatally shot last month while covering an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin. Although Israeli authorities claim it's unclear who fired the bullet, Palestinians and journalists at the scene say it came from an Israeli sniper.
Al Jazeera
During her funeral, police officers allegedly charged pallbearers and beat them with batons, almost causing the coffin to be dropped. Thirty-three people were reportedly injured, six hospitalized, and Israeli authorities said six people were arrested after mourners threw "rocks and glass bottles."
Al Jazeera
Scenes of the assault were met with outrage and condemnation by Palestinians and some foreign governments. There has also been sharp criticism within Israel.
wapo
The purpose of the probe was to uncover the events that led up to the clashes at the funeral. However, findings haven't been publicly disclosed.
ITN

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The Spin

Pro-Palestine narrative

It's no surprise that the Israeli-led investigation doesn't promote justice for Palestinians. It has been Israel's policy for years to cover up attacks against journalists and repress Palestinian nationalism by denying Palestinians their right to express their identity.

MS Now

Pro-Israel narrative

This investigation is important for the Israeli police's improvement as an organization. While the report found instances of police misconduct, it also found that they made a tangible attempt to ensure the funeral would follow according to the organizer's plans amid rioters who threatened the ceremony.

Jewish News Syndicate (JNS)