China Thursday expressed its support to a transparent and independent inquiry into the killing of veteran Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.
Speaking in a regular press conference in Beijing, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said: “China consistently rejects and strongly condemns violence against journalists doing their job. We hope the incident will be handled in a just manner according to law.”
With regards to opening a transparent and independent investigation into Abu Akleh’s killing, he said that “China supports it in principle. We think the incident should be handled in a just manner.”
The iconic Al Jazeera correspondent was fatally shot by Israeli military gunfire during an Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank early Wednesday morning. Her death was announced after videos circulated online showing her limp body being carried to a car and evacuated.
Abu Akleh, a Palestinian with US citizenship, was wearing a press vest and a helmet when she was killed. She was 51 years old.
A second journalist, Ali Samoudi, was shot in the back during the same incident and was reported to be in stable condition.
Source: Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA)