Israeli police conclude probe into conduct at Shireen Abu Akleh funeral, amid studies no officers can be punished

Jerusalem
CNN
 — 

Israeli police say they’ve concluded the investigation into police actions during the funeral procession of slain Al Jazeera correspondent Shireen Abu Akleh in Jerusalem final month.

Police forces got here beneath widespread criticism following the procession, by which tv footage confirmed officers striking mourners with batons, almost inflicting the pallbearers to drop the coffin, in addition to forcibly taking down Palestinian flags together with from the hearse, and arresting people carrying the flag.

On the time Israeli police mentioned they have been responding to things and rocks being thrown at police, as mourners sought to hold Abu Akleh’s coffin by foot from a Jerusalem hospital to a church within the Outdated Metropolis. Police mentioned they’d secured prior settlement from the Abu Akleh household to move the coffin by automotive – which is finally what occurred, although solely after chaotic scenes.

As an alternative of releasing any particulars of the investigation, or any findings, police issued solely a press release, by which Israeli Police Commissioner Kobi Shabtai acknowledged Abu Akleh’s funeral had been a “complicated occasion,” including, “it’s inconceivable to stay detached to the tough pictures.”

Shabtai mentioned police had examined the conduct of the forces on the bottom, however he appeared accountable funeral individuals for the way in which occasions unfolded: “We should totally be taught [the lessons from] the incident, in order that sooner or later delicate occasions corresponding to these won’t be disturbed by violent rioters, and can be revered.”

Israeli media has extensively reported that no law enforcement officials on obligation, or their commanders, can be penalised for his or her actions.

Within the assertion Shabtai supplied forces his assist, saying, “I belief the actions of Israel Cops, who will proceed to reliably work for the protection of your entire public.”

The Israeli police got here beneath harsh criticism after the procession, with the White Home calling the pictures “disturbing” and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken saying he was “deeply troubled by the pictures of Israeli police intruding into the funeral procession.”

CNN has requested police once they plan to launch their investigation however has not obtained any reply.