The tragic death of Arabic cameraman Samer Abudaqa in a drone attack while reporting on the bombing of a school in the southern Gaza Strip has prompted the Media Network to take immediate action. The Qatar-based network has announced that it will refer the case of Abudaqa’s killing to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. In a statement, the network expressed its denunciation and condemnation of what it called the “assassination” of Abudaqa, who had dedicated 19 years to covering the ongoing conflict in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Media Network also highlighted that the legal file submitted to the ICC will encompass not only the killing of Abudaqa, but also the recurrent attacks on its crews working in the occupied Palestinian territories and instances of incitement against them. It is essential to note that targeting journalists is considered a war crime under Article 8 of the Rome Statute.
The network has formed a working group, consisting of its international legal team and international legal experts, to compile a comprehensive file for the court’s prosecutor. The group will gather evidence and testimonies to support their case. It is crucial to highlight that this is not the first time the Media Network has sought justice through the ICC. They had previously requested an investigation into the shooting of veteran television reporter Shireen Abu Akleh during an Israeli military raid in the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. While the ICC has acknowledged receipt of the request, no further steps have been taken.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has also expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza, noting that it is the deadliest for journalists on record. At least 64 reporters and media workers have been killed during the 10 weeks of bombings in the enclave. The CPJ has called on international authorities to conduct an independent investigation into the attack on Abudaqa and hold the perpetrators accountable.
The funeral for Samer Abudaqa took place in southern Gaza, with mourners, including fellow journalists, paying their respects. Despite the tragedy, Arabic correspondent Wael Dahdouh, who was wounded in the same attack, expressed determination to continue their duty with professionalism and transparency.
The Media Network’s referral of Abudaqa’s case to the ICC sends a strong message about the importance of protecting journalists and holding those responsible for their killings accountable. It is now up to the international community to ensure a thorough investigation takes place and justice is served.
