Namibia has condemned the killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was fatally shot while covering an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin on 11 May 2022. The killing comes days after the world celebrated World Press Freedom Day on 3 May, which acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press and media freedom, and in remembrance of those journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty. MIRCO Executive Director, Penda Naanda reiterated that: “Freedom of expression is the core of human individuality and is one of the essential foundations of a safe and prosperous society. Media freedom has been and remains an important part of democratic societies and essential to the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.” Ambassador Naanda, who also expressed grief and sorrow for the slain journalist, stressed that the work of the media is of paramount importance in times of conflict, adding that society needs free media to provide them with accurate information and informed analysis to hold governments to account for their actions. He thus called for the Israeli authorities to conduct a swift investigation into this senseless killing, and for those responsible to be held accountable.