Saima Mohsin wins right to sue CNN for unfair treatment

LONDON: Saima Mohsin, a former journalist with CNN, has secured approval to initiate legal proceedings against the news network through a UK employment tribunal. Her allegations center on claims of unjust termination and discriminatory treatment after sustaining injuries during an assignment in Israel.

According to a news report in Deadline, Judge Klimov’s ruling, issued subsequent to a preliminary hearing held last month, has sided with Mohsin, thus granting her the opportunity to advance her case to a comprehensive tribunal at the London Central Employment Tribunal. While the precise date for the impending hearing remains pending determination.

“I won! I won the hearing against CNN. Employment Tribunal will hear my case on unfair dismissal #disability discrimination & #equalpay in London,” tweeted Saima.

“Thank you for all your support. Truly It has helped me get through this,” she added.

CNN did not respond to developments regarding the tribunal case of Saima Mohsin, a former journalist with the network.

The media conglomerate, owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, has contested Mohsin’s claims on the basis of territorial jurisdiction, contending that her employment contract renders the UK tribunal without authority over her allegations.

Presently operating as a freelance contributor for Sky News, Mohsin’s narrative traces back to 2014 when she incurred injuries on an assignment in Jerusalem while covering the Israel-Palestine conflict.

During this coverage, her cameraman inadvertently ran over her foot, resulting in tissue damage and enduring pain. The injuries necessitate her use of a walking aid, limiting her capacity for full-time work.

The aftermath of the incident brought about a mental health deterioration, with Mohsin facing bouts of depression.

Alleging that CNN terminated her contract in 2017 after her requests for alternate duties and rehabilitative assistance, Mohsin’s case advances on multiple fronts. It encompasses claims relating to dismissal, disability discrimination, victimization, failure to implement reasonable accommodations, and equal pay. However, a separate accusation of racial discrimination, situated outside the scope of the stipulated period, will not proceed.

Despite Mohsin’s repeated indications of a willingness to reach an extrajudicial settlement, CNN has refrained from engaging in such discussions. Mohsin has expressed that the network’s pursuit of legal action has compounded her “pain and suffering.”

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In a statement, she noted, “I have consistently offered opportunities for reinstatement, mediation, and negotiations. I did not seek this confrontation while grappling with an invisible disability and rebuilding my life.

Nonetheless, it was imperative for me to make a stand.” The British-Pakistani correspondent underscored how her case raises pertinent queries regarding safeguards for journalists and the treatment of individuals with disabilities.

While Mohsin did not secure legal representation from a solicitor, her interests were advocated by barristers Paras Gorasia and Jennifer Robinson of Doughty Street Chambers.