Saima Mohsin, a journalist of British-Pakistani descent, talks about the case she has filed the case against CNN, accusing them of racial discrimination and unfair dismissal from her job.
She has sued her employer Cable News Network (CNN)for racial discrimination and unfair dismissal. Mohsin took to her official Twitter handle to express her anticipation for the judgment, highlighting that a win would not only be a personal victory but also a significant step for journalists, individuals with disabilities, and women of color like herself.
The legal action originated from an incident in 2014 when Mohsin sustained severe injuries while reporting on the Israel-Palestine conflict in Jerusalem. The accident resulted in her becoming disabled and experiencing difficulties with sitting, standing, walking, and resuming full-time work.
Mohsin made requests to CNN, urging them to assign her to a less physically demanding role and provide support for her rehabilitation. Unfortunately, her pleas were met with outright refusal from the network.
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The hearing is done & I await judgement
If I win, I win the right to take my
unfair dismissal & discrimination claim against #CNN to the Employment Tribunal, EnglandFor me, for all #journalists
For people working with a #disability
For black & brown women like me #Forallofus— Saima Mohsin (@SaimaMohsin) July 14, 2023
Furthermore, Mohsin alleged that she had asked CNN if she could transition to a presenting role to reduce her travel commitments. However, she claimed that she was informed that she did not possess the desired appearance for the role.
The Guardian had previously reported that she faced racial and disability discrimination during her tenure at CNN and encountered a gender pay gap. Moreover, Mohsin asserted that despite being prepared for live reporting on the ground, she received less on-air time compared to white American correspondents.
Following the culmination of her case, Mohsin conveyed her disappointment, expressing that she had devoted considerable effort to becoming an international correspondent and had willingly put her life on the line for CNN.
She had hoped for the network’s support during her recovery, but she felt let down by their lack of assistance. Mohsin’s decision to pursue legal recourse through the employment tribunal reflects her determination to seek justice not only for herself but also for marginalized groups facing similar challenges in the workplace.