Court supports journalist fired over Gaza post

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) has been ordered to pay 150,000 Australian dollars in compensation to Antoinette Lattouf, a temporary radio presenter who was unfairly dismissed over a social media post about the war in Gaza. In December 2023, while working at ABC Radio Sydney, Lattouf had shared a Human Rights Watch report on social media stating that Israel was using starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza.

Lattouf, who was fired within three days of the post, had her situation linked to political pressure and the influence of pro-Israel groups. The Federal Court ruled that the dismissal was unfair and ordered an additional payment of 150,000 Australian dollars on top of the 70,000 Australian dollars already paid. Justice Darryl Rangiah stated that this additional compensation was important to ensure the broadcaster does not repeat similar mistakes.

Following the court's decision, the ABC apologized to Lattouf, acknowledging that the incident had disappointed its employees and audience. The event sparked widespread public reaction, leading to serious debates regarding the institution's independence and its policies on supporting employees from diverse cultural backgrounds.

News Source: 12punto