Pakistan
British-Pakistani journalist Saima Mohsin wins right to sue CNN
Saima says the tribunal will hear her claims of racial discrimination and unjust termination.
London: British-Pakistani journalist Saima Mohsin on Tuesday won right to sue Cable News Network in the United Employment Tribunal.
Taking to Twitter, Saima Mohsin said that the tribunal would hear her claims of racial discrimination and unjust termination.
She shared a story and wrote, “I won! I won the hearing against CNN
Employment Tribunal will hear my case on unfair dismissal #disability discrimination & #equalpay in London
Thank you for all your support. Truly It has helped me get through this,”.
Mohsin initiated legal action against the news conglomerate, alleging racial bias and wrongful termination, stemming from a serious injury she sustained while on assignment in Israel.
During her reporting on the Israel-Palestine conflict in Jerusalem, an accident occurred, rendering her physically impaired. The incident, which transpired in 2014, involved her foot being run over by her cameraman's car, leading to extensive tissue damage.
Subsequently, Mohsin struggled with mobility, impeding her ability to resume regular work activities. She implored CNN to reassign her to a role with reduced physical demands and requested support for rehabilitation. However, her pleas were met with a firm rejection from CNN.
Mohsin also alleged that she proposed transitioning to a presenting role to decrease travel-related strains but was told that she did not meet their desired criteria.
According to The Guardian, she said, “They informed me that my appearance did not align with their preferences,”.
In 2017, three years after the accident, CNN terminated her employment. Faced with the lack of assistance and backing from CNN following her life-altering injury, Mohsin chose to pursue legal action through an employment tribunal.
Reflecting on her tenure with CNN, Mohsin remarked, "I invested significant effort to establish myself as an international correspondent and cherished my role at CNN. I put myself in perilous situations countless times on their behalf, confident they would offer support. Regrettably, that was not the case."