The House Of Representatives Condemns The Shooting Of Al Jazeera Journalists By Israeli Soldiers, Meutya Hafid: Perpetrators Must Be Tried Internationally

Chairman of the House of Representatives Commission I, Meutya Hafid, / DOK ANTARA

JAKARTA - Chair of the House of Representatives Commission I, Meutya Hafid, condemned the shooting of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh by Israeli soldiers at the Jenin refugee camp, West Bank, Palestine.

"This is an act of brutal murder by the Israeli army and cannot be justified by any pretext. Because Shireen is on duty wearing a vest with the words press on it," Meutya told reporters, Thursday, May 12.

Meutya, who is also a former journalist, explained that under the provisions of international humanitarian law, journalists who are in situations of armed conflict must receive protection from both parties to the conflict. According to him, the shooting of Shireen Abu Akleh by Israeli forces is a serious violation under the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

"The Geneva Conventions on International Humanitarian Law regulates the protection of journalists both as civilians and as journalists," he explained.

"This can be seen in the provisions of Article 4 paragraph A sub 4 of the 1949 Geneva Convention IV and Article 79 of Additional Protocol I 1977 where journalists are one of the parties who must be protected in armed conflicts and should be treated as civilians," continued Meutya.

Because of this, the Golkar politician considered that the brutal shooting of Shireen Abu Akleh by Israeli troops was a serious offense that fell into the category of war crimes. Because, it has violated the provisions stipulated in the 1949 Geneva Conventions.

The head of the commission in charge of foreign affairs called on the entire government, parliament and international community to hold Israel responsible for the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh.

"This demand on Israel is to remind all parties that journalists who cover conflict situations must ensure their security and protection at all times," said Meutya.

Meutya also demanded the International Criminal Court (ICC) to open an investigation into the perpetrators involved, including the commander responsible for the murder.

"It is time for the perpetrators of these war crimes to be brought to justice and held accountable for international crimes," said Meutya.

Commission I of the DPR also asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu) to establish international cooperation for an immediate and thorough investigation.

"I also ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to mobilize international solidarity to ensure that international laws and norms are enforced in order to protect journalists on duty and media workers from becoming targets of war," said Meutya.