Former CNN reporter Saima Mohsin is suing the news channel for unfair dismissal and racial discrimination following a serious injury she sustained while reporting in Israel. She claims that the injury left her with an “invisible disability.”

Saima Mohsin was reporting from Jerusalem on the Israel-Palestine conflict when an accident left her disabled. Her cameraman ran over her foot, causing severe tissue damage. She struggled to sit, stand and walk, or return to work full-time.

After the incident in 2014, the British-Pakistani journalist claims she requested alternative duties and support for rehabilitation but the news channel refused. Ms Mohsin further claims that she asked to transition into a presenting role to reduce travel time but she was told she didn't have the desired appearance. CNN terminated her contract three years later.

Mohsin’s employment tribunal claim is due to be heard on Monday in London since the network failed to support her after her grievous injury.

“I worked hard to become an international correspondent and loved my job with CNN. I risked my life many times on assignment for CNN believing they would have my back. They did not.”

She claimed in her complaint that she was wrongfully fired from her position at CNN and that the network discriminates on the basis of colour and disability. She alleges that supervisors passed on high-profile on-air opportunities for her in favour of white American correspondents even though she was prepared to go live on location.

“I’m also taking the opportunity to highlight the racism and gender pay gap issues that I experienced. I was repeatedly let down and denied the ability to achieve my potential while I was at CNN. I am bringing my claim to take a stand and call for change to ensure women journalists, and women journalists of colour, are better protected”.

CNN opposed Ms. Mohsin's claims on territorial grounds, arguing that the terms of Mohsin's contract don't allow her to bring a case in London, the outlet reported.

Mohsin was associated with CNN for more than five years.

The British-Pakistani journalist is now working with Sky News as a freelancer. She has made a program for ITV about the pain of living with invisible disabilities.

Image source: CNN