CNN has failed to quash a lawsuit from former international correspondent Saima Mohsin, who is suing the network over unfair dismissal and disability discrimination allegations.
CNN lost in its appeal to the London Employment Appeal Tribunal, where it attempted to throw out Mohsin’s case on territorial grounds, arguing that her employment contract meant that the UK tribunal did not have jurisdiction over her claims. CNN was approached for comment.
The presenter’s lawsuit will now proceed to a full employment tribinal in the UK at a yet-to-be determined date. Mohsin, who now works as an anchor for Sky News, claims that she was wrongly fired by CNN after being injured on assignment in Israel in 2014.
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. She claims that CNN terminated her contract in 2017 after she requested alternative duties and support during rehab.
Mohsin said: “Having fired me for asking for my rights as a disabled journalist, injured on assignment for them, CNN is now dragging me through the courts at great expense and distress, instead of making amends. I am determined not to give up because this is a matter of principle. As a journalist I have always been committed to exposing injustice, I’m now doing this for myself and my colleagues. I hope the industry will learn from this.”
Deadline understands that Mohsin has repeatedly indicated her willingness to settle outside of legal proceedings, but CNN has so far declined to do so. She is represented by barristers Paras Gorasia of Old Square, and Jennifer Robinson and Finnian Clarke of Doughty Street Chambers.
