Ever since President Barack Obama announced the US had killed Osama Bin Laden in a raid on a Pakistani compound, there's been growing speculation about whether photographic proof of his death would be made public. While some might want such photographic evidence, there have also been fears that this might enrage some Muslims and prompt for the violence. After more than two days of deliberation, the White House made it official Wednesday: it will not release the post-mortal images of Osama Bin Laden. White House spokesman Jay Carney explained the President's decision.
There is no need to release these photographs to establish Osama Bin Laden's identity. And he saw no other compelling reason to release them, given the potential for national security risks. And further because he believes, as he said so clearly, this is not who we are.
While photographic proof of Bin Laden's dead might never be seen, other images of the aftermath of Monday's deadly fire fight have emerged, including photos of some of Bin Laden's associates, killed when US Navy SEALs raided Bin Laden's compound. Responding to critics, the White House also said the killing of an unarmed Bin Laden was fully consistent with the rules of law. And that Bin Laden's surrender would have been accepted had it been offered.
Jon Decker, Reuters.
