'Dismissal, racial discrimination': Ex-employee takes CNN to court

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The Guardian
10 Jul 2023 09:45

A former reporter, injured while on duty, sues CNN for lack of support, unfair dismissal, and racial discrimination.

Saima Mohsin; former CNN reporter who was injured in occupied Palestine (Social media)

Former CNN reporter Saima Mohsin has filed a lawsuit against the news channel, alleging unfair dismissal and racial discrimination.

Mohsin, a British-Pakistani journalist, was severely injured while on duty in occupied Palestine back in 2014, which left her disabled and unable to work full-time.

Mohsin alleges that her cameraman had accidentally run over her foot while reporting on the situation in occupied Al-Quds.

Following the accident, Mohsin requested alternative duties and rehabilitation support, but CNN reportedly refused her requests. She also alleges that she was denied the opportunity to switch to a presenting role, with CNN stating that she did not have the desired appearance.

CNN has declined to comment on the allegations and is opposing the claim on territorial grounds, arguing that the terms of Mohsin's contract prevent her from filing the case in London.

Systematic racism targeting POCs working in Western media institutions has been a recurrent theme in recent history. A similar incident happened in Australia back in May.

Stan Grant, one of Australia's most notable Indigenous journalists, stood in front of a live camera, explaining why he was leaving his post as anchor of a major program at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Grant, a Wiradjuri man, had spoken on the impact of colonization on Indigenous Australians during ABC's coverage of King Charles' coronation a little more than two weeks before.

The remarks sparked a barrage of criticism, most of which is fueled by attacks repeated in Rupert Murdoch-owned Australian outlets.

Racist abuse directed at Grant and his family has been described as "grotesque" and "unrelenting" on social media. Grant announced his desire to stand down from writing for ABC's website and presenting the network's live debate show, Q+A.

It has also triggered renewed debate in Australia about ongoing racism, poisonous media influence, and claims about Australia's national broadcaster's institutional cowardice in supporting its Indigenous workers.