ISLAMABAD: Former CNN reporter and British-Pakistani journalist Saima Mohsin has won the right to take the news network to an employment tribunal in the United Kingdom (UK) for “unfair dismissal” and “discrimination” after she was injured on an assignment in Israel.
Mohsin, who now works on a freelance basis for Sky News, was injured on assignment in Jerusalem for CNN in 2014 when she was covering the Israel-Palestine conflict. Her cameraman ran over her foot, causing tissue damage and chronic pain, meaning she uses a walking stick and is unable to work full-time.
The incident also led to a mental health breakdown and Mohsin suffers from depression, according to international media reports. She claims that CNN terminated her contract in 2017 after she requested alternative duties and support during rehab.
The British-Pakistani journalist last month announced that she was suing CNN for “unfair dismissal” and “discrimination.”
“I won! I won the hearing against CNN,” Mohsin said on X Tuesday. “Employment Tribunal will hear my case on unfair dismissal #disability discrimination & #equalpay in London.”
The journalist shared a report by the Deadline magazine which stated that the judge ruled in her favor following a preliminary hearing last month, meaning that her case can proceed to the London Central Employment Tribunal. A date for the hearing has yet to be determined.
CNN declined a comment to the publication.
Mohsin’s case can now proceed on the grounds of dismissal, disability discrimination, victimization, failure to make reasonable adjustments, and equal pay in relation to claims after March 1, 2017, according to the Deadline report. A separate claim of racial discrimination falls outside of this period of consideration so will not now move forward.
“I have constantly offered reinstatement or mediation and negotiations. I didn’t ask for this battle while learning to deal with an invisible disability and rebuild my life,” Mohsin was quoted as saying in a statement.
“But it was important I take a stand.”
