The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has raised serious concerns over what it describes as a lack of progress in the FBI investigation into the killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, calling the situation “troubling” and inconsistent with US commitments to protect its citizens.
In an open letter sent to the US Department of Justice and FBI Director Kash Patel, the CPJ urged authorities to provide a public update on the stalled investigation into the death of the veteran journalist, who was killed while reporting in the occupied West Bank in 2022.
Abu Akleh, a longtime correspondent for Al Jazeera, was shot during an Israeli military operation in the city of Jenin on May 11, 2022. She was wearing a clearly marked press vest at the time of her death.
The CPJ said the lack of visible progress in the case raises concerns about accountability and the safety of journalists working in conflict zones. The organization argued that the delay sends a dangerous message that attacks on journalists may go unpunished.
According to the CPJ, there have been no formal witness interviews reported in the case, despite multiple individuals reportedly willing to cooperate with investigators. The group also said there is no evidence that US investigators have carried out on-the-ground evidence collection in either Israel or the occupied Palestinian territories.
The FBI has not publicly provided a detailed update on the investigation, leading to growing frustration from press freedom advocates and Abu Akleh’s family.
The journalist was covering Israeli military raids in Jenin when she was shot. Initial reports from the Israeli military suggested that Palestinian fighters may have been responsible. However, Israel later said it could not determine the exact source of the gunfire and acknowledged a high possibility that Israeli forces may have fired the shot.
Independent investigations conducted by major international media outlets, including CNN, The Associated Press, and The Washington Post, concluded that Abu Akleh was likely killed by Israeli fire during the operation.
The CPJ is now demanding that US authorities issue a formal public update on the status of the investigation, establish a clear timeline for its completion, and release findings once the probe is finished.
The group also stressed that the investigation must remain independent and free from political influence to ensure credibility and fairness.
Abu Akleh’s family also issued a statement expressing frustration over the lack of accountability. They said justice remains out of reach despite the passage of time and warned that continued delays send a harmful message about the safety of journalists.
Her death has become a powerful symbol in the region. She is widely remembered as a respected reporter who covered conflict zones across the Middle East for decades.
Murals and tributes to Abu Akleh continue to appear across Palestinian territories, reflecting her influence and legacy as a journalist who reported from the front lines.
The CPJ also highlighted broader concerns about press safety in the region. The organization reported that hundreds of journalists and media workers have been killed in recent years amid ongoing conflict.
It accused authorities of failing to hold perpetrators accountable and warned that a culture of impunity could encourage further attacks on journalists.
Sara Qudah said the lack of accountability contributes to ongoing risks faced by reporters in conflict zones.
She warned that without independent investigations and real consequences, violence against journalists could continue to rise.
The CPJ also reiterated its concern that political considerations may be slowing progress in the investigation, stressing that press freedom and justice must remain the priority.
The case remains one of the most high-profile journalist killings in recent years and continues to draw international attention, especially among press freedom organizations calling for transparency and accountability in conflict-related deaths.
