The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) in collaboration with the African National Congress (ANC), the South African Communist Party (SACP), Africa for Palestine (A4P) and members of the progressive pro-Palestine movement will convene a symbolic human chain picket at the Israeli Embassy, condemning the killing of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.

 Ms Abu Akleh, 51, was a household name across the Arab world, revered for her coverage of Palestinian life under Israeli rule for the Al Jazeera satellite channel for the past 25 years.

She was recently shot dead during an Israeli military raid in the West Bank town of Jenin.

Journalists who were with her, including an Al Jazeera colleague who was shot and wounded, said Israeli forces fired upon them even though they were clearly identifiable as reporters.

COSATU supports international calls for thorough investigations into the matter, so that the perpetrators of such atrocious acts are made to account.

On this basis, the Federation with its affiliates will mobilise all members to participate in the picket. We also encourage the rallying of all progressive forces (including civil society organisations) and individuals who are opposed to the Israeli aggression against the people of Palestine to join us in their numbers.

The details for the picket are as follows:

Date: Friday, 3rd June 2022

Time: 10:00-12:00

Address: Israel Embassy South Africa, 428 Kings Highway, Lynnwood, Pretoria

Issued by COSATU

Sonia Mabunda-Kaziboni
International Secretary
COSATU Head Office
Tel:  011 339 4911 | 066 139 4220