**Journalist Wins Landmark Case Against Australia’s National Broadcaster**
In a significant victory for press freedom, a journalist has won her case against the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) after a court ruled that she was unfairly dismissed over a social media post about the Gaza war. Antoinette Lattouf, a Lebanese-Australian journalist, had claimed that she was fired in December 2023 due to her political views and after pro-Israel groups lobbied against her.
**The Dismissal and Aftermath**
Lattouf shared an article from Human Rights Watch critical of Israel on social media hours before she was fired. The ABC deemed this a breach of its editorial policy, leading to the termination of her five-day fill-in radio host contract. The dismissal caused a public outcry and raised questions about the independence of the national broadcaster.
**The Court Ruling**
Justice Darryl Rangiah ruled on Wednesday that Lattouf was indeed sacked by the ABC for reasons including her views on the Israeli military operation in Gaza. He denied the claim that she was fired due to her race, but awarded her A$70,000 in damages (approximately £33,400 or $45,400). The judge also indicated that he would consider additional penalties.
**Background and Controversy**
Lattouf, a well-known media contributor and activist, had made a name for herself tackling issues such as racism, discrimination, and mental health. She had been asked to limit her social media use before starting her contract with the ABC’s Mornings program, but shared an Instagram post from Human Rights Watch accusing Israel of using starvation in its war on Gaza.
**Pressure and External Influence**
The court heard testimony that Lattouf’s manager, Elizabeth Green, believed that “higher-ups” had already pressed for her to be fired before she shared the HRW position. The ABC’s former chair, Ita Buttrose, had sent several emails complaining about Lattouf’s senior managers. WhatsApp messages from two groups showed a concerted campaign of letter-writing against Lattouf days before her firing.
**Commentary and Analysis**
This landmark case highlights concerns about press freedom and the independence of national broadcasters. The ABC’s decision to terminate Lattouf’s contract has sparked debate about the limits of free speech and the impact of external pressure on editorial decisions. This ruling is a significant victory for journalists and advocates of press freedom, but it also raises questions about how national broadcasters should navigate complex social and political issues.
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