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BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityAsiaChinaIndiaPakistan’s ‘King of Chaos’ Imran Khan keeps winning even behind barsPublished16 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Imran Khan was removed from power in a no-confidence vote in 2022Pakistan’s recent elections were supposed to bring in a period of stability, badly needed to deal with crippling inflation and bitter political divides in the country, writes author and journalist Mohammed Hanif. Instead, they delivered a minority government – a shaky, reluctant coalition that looks unsure of its own mandate. Two weeks after the elections, the Pakistan Muslim League (N) led by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) led by Bilawal Bhutto announced that they would form a government but that the PPP wouldn’t be part of it. The midnight announcement by the leaders of both parties was made in sombre tones and had the air of a shotgun wedding. Suddenly, Pakistan was that rare democracy where nobody really wanted to be the prime minister.The “establishment” – a euphemism used by local media for Pakistan’s powerful military – has always believed that general elections are too sensitive an exercise to be left to civilian politicians. This time around they opened their old election playbook and used every trick deployed successfully in the past. The main contender Imran Khan was put in jail. He faces more than 150 criminal and civil charges, all of which he denies. A week before the elections he was sentenced in three cases – in one he was accused of contracting a marriage in a hurry. His party, denied its election symbol and a united platform, were forced to contest as independents. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Ex-PM Nawaz Sharif was widely seen as having the army’s backingMany were evading police raids instead of campaigning in their constituencies. His main opponents were cleared of many cases against them and given a free hand to campaign.On election day social media and mobile phone services were shut down, apparently for security concerns but in reality, to ensure that Khan supporters didn’t have easy access to the polling booths and would find it hard to identify their candidates on the ballot paper.Khan’s supporters showed remarkable ingenuity, formed WhatsApp groups, improvised apps and websites overnight and reached polling booths and managed to find their candidates. His party used AI-generated speeches to convey the message of their jailed leader. Imran Khan’s prison ID number was turned into an election slogan. They campaigned guerrilla-style and sprang a surprise on election day. Despite all the claims of rigging against it, his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) still emerged as the single largest party in the election. The Khan wave on election day was too strong to be reined in by routine rigging. The establishment used 20th-Century tactics to tame a digital savvy generation – and lost. To the military’s tried and tested machinations, the voters’ response was polite and defiant: thank you, but no thank you, we are not as ignorant and illiterate as you think we are. We may not be able to take you on in the streets, you have your guns, but here’s our stamp on the ballot. Do what you will with it. The seasoned agitatorImran Khan didn’t get a simple majority in parliament, refused to align with any other parties to form the government and decided to sit in opposition. He has built his campaign and overall charisma by portraying his opponents as corrupt. He is loath to share power with the politicians he has been attacking most of his political career. Most Pakistani politicians have had to spend time in prison at some point. But no one seems to have had more fun than Imran Khan. Denied every public platform to reach his supporters, he has pulled off an election victory from his prison cell with communiques sent through his lawyers and close family.Last May, when Imran Khan was arrested for the first time after his government’s dismissal, his supporters rioted, attacking army cantonments and other symbols of the army’s power and prestige. A senior general’s house was set on fire, and some rioters even managed to enter army headquarters. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Protests broke out after Khan was arrested over corruption allegationsThe crackdown that followed was swift and brutal. Most of the PTI top leadership was abducted and pressured to part ways with Imran Khan – some condemned his politics, others quit politics for life. The establishment wanted to send out a clear signal that Imran Khan and his party were finished. With Khan in jail, as the election drew closer, the party was taken over by second-tier leadership and local faithfuls who were crucial in organising the battered party’s campaign to victory. They were certain that their leader would not be allowed to return to power, but they showed through their vote that they wouldn’t abandon him just because the army wanted them to.Imran Khan, when out of power, is the king of chaos, unleashing his wrath not only on his political opponents but the army establishment as well. Before he was arrested and put away, Imran Khan claimed in his speeches that he was ousted at the behest of the US for pursuing an independent foreign policy. His opponents say that all his policies while in power were only about his own ego and whimsy. When in power, they say, he spent more time hounding his opponents than he did running the country. While in government Khan seemed distracted and failed to make timely decisions to rein in runaway inflation. Even in government he sounded like an opposition politician, raging against his political enemies and the media.He is a seasoned agitator. When his party lost the 2013 elections, he campaigned relentlessly to get the results overturned and laid siege to the capital Islamabad. He was able to do it with the establishment’s backing. Now that he is the establishment’s enemy number one he is buoyant after his party’s showing at the polls. His party has decided to sit in opposition, but Imran Khan likes to play his politics not in parliament but out on the streets, with public rallies and social media. The current government is already being dubbed as a “coalition of losers” – it literally is a coalition of parties that were soundly beaten by Khan in the elections. Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The election was marred by the suspension of mobile phone servicesFor two weeks after the result there didn’t seem to be any enthusiasm to form a government amongst Khan’s opponents. For the first time, leading politicians instead of laying claim to power were reluctant to accept responsibility.There’s reluctance to govern because Pakistan faces a crushing debt crisis and rising fuel and food prices have made life unbearable for the working classes. With the army’s increased role in every sphere of governance, ruling politicians are reduced to going around the world asking international donors for bailouts.Many have speculated if Imran Khan’s time in jail will make him a more mature politician. It seems unlikely. He has thrived as a maverick – he will not want to turn into a meek version of himself to become acceptable to the establishment. His rage against the old political guard has made him the most popular leader in Pakistan. He wouldn’t want to abandon that to run a country which even his losing opponents seem reluctant to govern. This is the perfect environment for Imran Khan to continue his crusade, even from his jail cell as the country’s most famous prisoner – number 804.British-Pakistani author and journalist Mohammed Hanif is the former head of the BBC’s Urdu service, and the author of several plays and novels, including the award-winning A Case of Exploding Mangoes and Our Lady of Alice Bhatti.Related TopicsPakistanImran KhanNawaz SharifMore on this storyWhat now in Pakistan after Khan vote surprise?Published12 FebruaryThe cricket star and former PM dividing PakistanPublished1 FebruaryTop StoriesGaza receives first airdrop of US humanitarian aidPublished2 hours agoFergal Keane: Aid convoy tragedy shows fear of starvation haunts GazaPublished8 hours agoTories need a Budget bounce but can Hunt deliver?Published8 hours agoFeaturesBiden treads carefully through Middle East minefieldWhat Navalny’s funeral tells us about Russia todayFaisal Islam: Why this won’t be the Budget that Jeremy Hunt wantedBad blood over Singapore Taylor Swift tour subsidiesKiller whale vs shark: Solo orca eats great white. 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[ad_1] Pakistan’s army has long wielded an unchallenged amount of power over politics – until now.
![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaHamas says it is studying proposal for new pause in Gaza fightingPublished41 minutes agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, EPAImage caption, Ismail Haniyeh said Hamas’s priorities were a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal (file photo)By David GrittenBBC NewsHamas’s political leader has confirmed it is studying a new proposal to pause the fighting in the Gaza Strip.Ismail Haniyeh said the group had been invited to discuss a framework set out by Israel, the US, Qatar and Egypt. It reportedly proposes a six-week truce, when more Israeli hostages would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners.Mr Haniyeh stressed that Hamas’s priorities were a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal, but Israel’s prime minister ruled them out.Benjamin Netanyahu insisted the war would not end until “total victory” had been achieved, which he said meant the elimination of Hamas and the release of all hostages.The conflict was triggered by an unprecedented cross-border attack by Hamas gunmen on southern Israel on 7 October, in which about 1,300 people were killed and about 250 others taken hostage.More than 26,700 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.During a week-long ceasefire in late November, 105 Israeli and foreign hostages were freed in exchange for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli jails. Israel says 136 hostages are still being held, although about two dozen of those are presumed to be dead.On Sunday, Qatar’s prime minister, the director of the US Central Intelligence Agency and Egypt’s intelligence chief held talks in Paris with the heads of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency and Shin Bet internal security agency.They agreed the terms of a framework for a second pause in the fighting, which US media reports said would see Hamas release any remaining elderly, women and child hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners during an initial period of six weeks. If that was successful, there could be another two phases of swaps, with male Israeli soldiers eventually included.US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday that he could not confirm the details of the proposal, but called it “a strong one and a compelling one”.The Israeli prime minister’s office called the talks “constructive”, but noted that there were “significant gaps which the parties will continue to discuss”.At least half of Gaza buildings damaged or destroyed, new analysis showsIsrael W Bank hospital raid kills three Palestinian fightersCounting the destruction of religious sites in Gaza On Tuesday morning, Hamas’s Qatar-based political chief said it had received an invitation to go to Cairo to discuss the framework and would respond “on the basis that the priority is to halt the aggression on Gaza and pull the occupation forces out”.Mr Haniyeh stressed that Hamas was “open to discussing any new practical initiative or ideas, provided that they should lead to a comprehensive halt to the aggression, securing shelter for our displaced people… rebuilding [Gaza], lifting the blockade and achieving a serious swap of the captives to guarantee freeing our prisoners” in Israeli jails.Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, meanwhile threatened to “dismantle” the coalition government if a “reckless deal” was reached with Hamas.Later, Mr Netanyahu appeared to address the remarks by both men.”I would like to make it clear: We will not conclude this war without achieving all of its goals,” the prime minister said in a speech in the occupied West Bank. “This means eliminating Hamas, returning all of our hostages and ensuring that Gaza never again constitutes a threat to Israel.””We will not withdraw [forces] from the Gaza Strip and we will not release thousands of terrorists. None of this will happen. What will happen? Total victory!”Image source, ReutersImage caption, The Israeli military’s recent operational activity has been focused in the southern Khan Younis areaThe developments came as battles raged between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters across Gaza, particularly in the southern city of Khan Younis.On Tuesday afternoon, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said Israeli tanks were stationed in the “front yard” of Al-Amal Hospital, which is in the west of the city, and that they were “firing live ammunition and smoke grenades at the displaced individuals and PRCS staff”.”We deeply worry for the safety of our teams, the wounded, the sick, and thousands of displaced people in the building. Fires have broken out in tents within the confines of the PRCS Headquarters,” it added.There was no immediate comment from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), but a spokesperson earlier told Reuters news agency that its forces were not storming the hospital.It has previously accused Hamas of operating inside and launching attacks from hospitals, which the group and local medics have denied.Intense fighting and bombardment have also been reported around the nearby Nasser Hospital, which is the largest medical facility still functioning in Gaza.Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) said on Monday that the handful of medics remaining there were contending with very low supplies to treat between 300 and 350 patients who not could be evacuated.Rami, an MSF nurse, described how surgeons in the emergency department were being forced to reuse abdominal gauze. “They use it once, then squeeze out the blood, wash it, sterilise it and reuse it with another patient,” he said.Image source, ReutersImage caption, The UN estimates there are 1.7 million displaced people in Gaza, many of whom have fled the fighting around Khan YounisThe IDF believes top Hamas commanders are holed up inside tens of kilometres of tunnels beneath Khan Younis, possibly along with hostages.It says it has so far “eliminated over 2,000 terrorists above and below ground” there and uncovered facilities for holding hostages and command centres.On Tuesday, the IDF confirmed that it had been pumping “large volumes” of water into parts of Hamas’s vast network of tunnels across Gaza.There was widespread concern when its plan was first reported. Hostages’ families feared it could threaten their lives and experts said using seawater could gravely damage the aquifer that is Gaza’s only natural water source. “The capability was developed in a professional capacity, including analysis of the soil characteristics and the water systems in the area to ensure that damage is not done to the area’s groundwater,” the IDF said.”The pumping of water was only carried out in tunnel routes and locations that were suitable, matching the method of operation to each case.”Related TopicsIsrael & the PalestiniansIsrael-Gaza warIsraelPalestinian territoriesHamasMore on this storyIsrael reined in by ICJ ruling – but will it obey?Published4 days agoMother of killed Israeli calls Hamas videos ‘psychological warfare’Published16 JanuaryGaza’s largest aid agency ‘desperate’ after funds pausedPublished1 day agoTop StoriesAt least half of Gaza buildings damaged or destroyed, new analysis showsPublished4 hours agoHamas says it is studying new Gaza truce proposalPublished41 minutes agoComing days crucial for Stormont return – Sinn FéinPublished55 minutes agoFeaturesChris Mason: Deal puts Northern Ireland on brink of landmark eventA Stormont deal is agreed – what happens next?What is the Northern Ireland Brexit deal?16 striking shots from influential pop photographer Brian Griffin Nothing but rubble: Ukraine’s shattered ghost town AvdiivkaMollie Pearce from The Traitors on her disability ‘double whammy”Boohoo’ – how are voters reacting to the MP who ‘couldn’t afford’ mortgage?Train strikes: All you need to know on week of disruptionCould Lily Gladstone make Oscars history?Elsewhere on the BBCThe bizarre origins of a world-altering act of violenceJon Ronson returns with more unexpected, human stories from the culture warsAttributionSoundsThe mysterious deaths of Nazi fugitivesThree brothers investigate whether a family connection may explain the truthAttributioniPlayer’Songwriting is easy. Getting it played is not easy’Boy George talks to John Wilson about his formative cultural influencesAttributionSoundsBig laughs, big stars and big surprises!Michael McIntyre is back, with guests Dermot O’Leary, Tony Hadley, Jess Glynne and Tom KerridgeAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Weapons found after man with crossbow shot by police2Fitbit customers say devices unusable after update3Biden says he has decided US response to Jordan attack4Lotto winner sells car to best friend for £15Jury shown images of Constance Marten’s baby6Lucy Letby murder convictions appeal bid rejected7Sky to cut 1,000 jobs in move towards digital8Voters criticise MP who ‘couldn’t afford’ mortgage9Swinney manually deleted Covid texts to Sturgeon10IMF warns UK government against further tax cuts](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/D548/production/_132500645_4c0b59f34eabe575fef72dc063a0b5861f5a9c33.jpg)
![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaDefamation defeat a double-edged sword for TrumpPublished12 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIndictments of Donald TrumpImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Donald Trump has framed his legal woes as part of a ‘witch hunt’ against him by his political opponentsBy Sam CabralBBC NewsA New York jury has said Donald Trump must pay $83.3m (£65.6m) to E Jean Carroll, a writer he was found to have defamed by denying her allegation of sexual assault. Legal experts say the award is a message to the former president to stop smearing her. But will it work?Last year Ms Carroll won another civil case in which a separate jury found Mr Trump legally responsible for sexually abusing and defaming her, and awarded her $5m in damages.The outcome in the first case did nothing to deter the former president in denying Ms Carroll’s story, personally attacking the writer and claiming he had never met her.But after Friday’s hefty legal bill, he notably did not denigrate the former Elle columnist in his reaction online, instead calling the case a “Biden Directed Witch Hunt”.Mr Trump – who is currently facing four criminal indictments and could soon have to dish out millions more dollars in a New York civil trial relating to business fraud – has often claimed the cases against him are politically motivated.Trump turns his legal battles into campaign spectacleTrump blasts judge as New York fraud trial nears endTrump must pay $83.3m for defaming E Jean CarrollIn terms of his election campaign, his mounting legal woes have been both a boon and a bane for him, said Grant Reeher, a political science professor at Syracuse University.”It’s hurt the general population’s views of him, but it’s fuelled and strengthened his base, and even driven some Republicans on the fence to ‘stay loyal’ to the cause,” Prof Reeher told the BBC.”Trump has been trying to wear these legal troubles as a badge of honour for his victimisation, and of his commitment to his supporters.”But he added that, while Mr Trump’s “witch hunt” framing may benefit him in the ongoing Republican primary contest, how it translates to the general election remains to be seen.Recent polling has shown Mr Trump locked in a tight race with President Joe Biden, and even edging ahead in some cases, in a prospective rematch of their 2020 race.That “says as much about Biden and the Democrats as it does about Trump”, said Prof Feeder, alluding to the president’s weak job approval ratings and concerns about his age.Even if Mr Trump does genuinely believe he has been wronged by Ms Carroll, and most of his supporters agree, Friday’s verdict reflects how nine of his peers, sitting in the jury box, felt about his conduct.Lawyers for Ms Carroll pointed out throughout the trial that Mr Trump was still defaming her both in and out of court.In closing arguments, they asked the jurors – seven men and two women – to deliver the kind of penalty that will “make him stop”.Image source, ReutersImage caption, E Jean Carroll hugs her team after the verdict was read out”This is a large sum. This is a very, very large sum,” said Dmitriy Shakhnevich, an attorney and professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice.”What the jury is saying is this is a wealthy man who’s not stopping, and the only way to stop him is to hurt him [financially].”Of the $83m awarded to Ms Carroll, $65m of it is punitive damages. An award for punitive damages “relies on severity of the conduct”, Prof Shakhnevich noted.Conservative lawyer John Yoo told Fox News: “The whole point of this… is to tell Donald Trump to shut up.”I can’t believe his lawyers haven’t succeeded in telling him: campaign for president, make your accusations about a two-tiered justice system, but leave this alone.”And, though the ex-president is signalling his intention to appeal, legal experts told the BBC he is unlikely to win.The sum of punitive damages “is not so disproportionate to the compensatory damages that it will raise any red flags, and so I would expect that it will stick”, RonNell Andersen Jones, a professor at the University of Utah said.Prof Jones said Mr Trump’s online reaction – taking aim at Mr Biden and the legal system, but not reiterating lies about Ms Carroll – may be an early clue that the damages could have some deterrent effect.University of Richmond law professor Carl Tobias said the Republican’s “misbehaviour throughout the trial” may have hurt his case.Prof Tobias argued there was a distinct “lack of respect which Trump exhibited for the judge, the jurors, the opposing counsel, especially Carroll and the civil trial process”.It is extremely unlikely that the Supreme Court would grant an appeal, he added, because the justices rarely ever review cases involving such civil trials.This video can not be playedTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.Media caption, Watch: Why Trump must pay $83m to E Jean CarrollFormer federal prosecutor Mitch Epner said Mr Trump has avoided having to pay Ms Carroll any money so far by transmitting a deposit to the court while the appeals process plays out.Mr Epner expects Mr Trump will do the same with these much higher damages – stumping up either cash or an appeal bond as a deposit.Without that, he added, Ms Carroll could start seizing the former president’s personal assets around the country, even putting liens on his real estate.But after Mr Trump’s commanding victories in the first two Republican primary contests in Iowa and New Hampshire, there is no sign that Friday’s verdict will slow his march to the party’s presidential nomination.”The first test will be South Carolina,” said Brian Crowley, a long-time political analyst, referring to the Republican primary vote on 24 February.”With polls showing him well ahead of Nikki Haley, she has an opportunity to use this ruling to push the idea that Trump has too much drama that could cost him the election against Biden.” Related TopicsIndictments of Donald TrumpUS election 2024Donald TrumpUnited StatesMore on this storyTrump must pay $83.3m for defaming E Jean CarrollPublished41 minutes agoTrump takes legal risk on stand in defamation trialPublished1 day agoNikki Haley fights on, but this is Trump’s party nowPublished3 days agoTop StoriesUK halts aid to UN agency over claims staff helped Hamas attackPublished59 minutes ago‘I thought mum left me, she’d been sent to prison’Published14 hours agoFire on ship linked to Britain after Houthi attackPublished3 hours agoFeaturesHuge push for Gaza aid – but little hope for those sufferingBali bomb families face accused at Guantanamo Bay’What terminal cancer has taught me about life’Jess Glynne says she ‘fell out of love with music’The Kindertransport refugees who made Britain homeTwins separated and sold at birth reunited by TikTokCheese, beef, cars: What UK-Canada trade rift meansGolden age or dying days for British theatre?Israel reined in by ICJ ruling – but will it obey?Elsewhere on the BBCA Scottish wild swimming road-trip!Julie Wilson Nimmo and Greg Hemphill take the plunge at Scotland’s breath-taking wild swimming spotsAttributioniPlayerScientists uncover alcohol’s hidden dangersInvestigating what alcohol is and why so many people love to drink itAttributioniPlayerCould this Italian dream turn into a real nightmare?Amanda Holden and Alan Carr don their boiler suits to renovate a dilapidated house in TuscanyAttributioniPlayerBritish television’s greatest double actEric and Ernie share their remarkable journey through TV appearances, rare radio material and BBC archivesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1UK halts aid to UN agency after Hamas attack claim2John Lewis planning major workforce cuts3Boy with IQ of 162 says football comes first4Warning over children using viral skincare products5Fire on ship linked to Britain after Houthi attack6‘I thought mum left me, she’d been sent to prison’7Greta Thunberg joins marchers in airport protest8Defamation defeat a double-edged sword for Trump9’Alfie’s killer threatened to torture me to death’10The Traitors TV final reaches dramatic conclusion](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/5C5C/production/_132444632_trump.jpg)
![BBC HomepageSkip to contentAccessibility HelpYour accountLiveNotificationsHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeMore menuMore menuSearch BBCHomeNewsSportWeatheriPlayerSoundsBitesizeCBBCCBeebiesFoodClose menuBBC NewsMenuHomeIsrael-Gaza warCost of LivingWar in UkraineClimateUKWorldBusinessPoliticsCultureMoreTechScienceHealthFamily & EducationIn PicturesNewsbeatBBC VerifyDisabilityWorldAfricaAsiaAustraliaEuropeLatin AmericaMiddle EastUS & CanadaAntoinette Lattouf: ABC presenter sacked over Gaza post ignites row in AustraliaPublished19 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingImage source, Antoinette LattoufImage caption, Antoinette Lattouf inside the ABC Sydney studioBy Tiffanie TurnbullBBC News, SydneyOn 20 December Antoinette Lattouf signed off from the Sydney radio show she was hosting with a promise she’d be back the next day.”Can’t wait,” she told listeners.But the veteran journalist and presenter did not return to the airwaves. Later that afternoon she was sacked, with her boss saying the order had come from “above”.She was only three days into a week-long stint filling in as host of the local Mornings show on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Just hours earlier she insists she was told it was going well.But behind the scenes, her appointment to the coveted role had attracted ardent lobbying from pro-Israel groups who accused her of antisemitism and bias.Lattouf – who is of Lebanese heritage – says she fears the ABC buckled under external pressure, sacking her based on political opinion and race. She has launched a wrongful termination case.The broadcaster vehemently denies this and says Lattouf was let go because she broke its directions on social media by re-sharing a Human Rights Watch (HRW) post about the Israel Gaza war. Her dismissal has triggered a wave of public outrage and created turmoil at the public broadcaster – raising questions over its independence and reviving concerns over how it supports staff, particularly those who are culturally diverse, when they come under attack.Criticism over activismLattouf is believed to be the first Arab-Australian woman to be a reporter on commercial television, and today is a regular staple on Australian airwaves or in its local newspapers.But the 40-year-old has also made a name for herself as an activist on issues like racism, discrimination in media and mental health.Before she was hired by the ABC, Lattouf attracted criticism for social media posts on the Israel Gaza war which decried the impact on Palestinian civilians.In some posts she accused Israel of targeting and killing journalists in Gaza, something echoed by the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists but which Israel denies.She also drew ire for an article she co-authored in which online verification experts questioned video which purported to show pro-Palestinian protesters chanting “gas the Jews” at a march in Sydney. The ABC has stressed the critical importance of impartiality and also has strict social media requirements. It bans posts which could damage its reputation.Lattouf has long been a regular contributor to the ABC, and agreed to curtail her social media use when she started her presenting stint.But she says she was told sharing information from “reputable” sources like human rights groups was fine, and so on 19 December shared a post from HRW which said Israel was using starvation as a tool of war. Israel denies the accusation.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Palestinians queuing for food in RafahLattouf’s post came hours after the ABC itself had covered the HRW report, and Lattouf claims other ABC employees had also shared the post. She also alleges other staff have written “far more inflammatory” social media posts in the past but remain employed.”The difference between them is they are white and I have an Arab background,” she told the BBC.She wants a public apology from the ABC, compensation, and a similar role back on air.But in its reply to Ms Lattouf’s legal action, the ABC said her case was “entirely misconceived”, and she was taken off-air “because she failed or refused to comply with directions that she not post on social media about matters of controversy”.She was paid for all five shifts, it added.Swift backlashThe case sparked an immediate uproar in Australia.HRW wrote to the ABC Chair, Ita Buttrose, saying it was “troubling” that its “factual” material had been deemed “controversial'”, something it said could have a “chilling effect” on Australian journalism.The media union also called the decision to remove Lattouf “incredibly disturbing”, while Minister for Industry Ed Husic said people expressing a “peaceful” view “shouldn’t feel like their jobs are on the line”.Protestors have graffitied ABC offices in Perth and Melbourne, and crowdfunding for Lattouf’s legal fees has already raised over A$90,000 (£40,100; $62,500).Others, defending the broadcaster’s decision to sack her, argued she shouldn’t have been hired for the role in the first place – given her history on the issue. But a series of leaked WhatsApp chats have in recent days have dramatically intensified the storm.Dozens of messages from two groups seen by the BBC show a concerted letter-writing campaign against Lattouf in the days before she was fired.The hundreds of members in both groups – one called Lawyers for Israel and another called J.E.W.I.S.H Australian creatives and academics – were encouraged to write directly to ABC boss David Anderson, the ABC board and Communications Minister Michelle Rowland.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, ABC board chair Ita Buttrose has been embroiled in the controversy”It is important ABC hears not just from individuals in the community but specifically lawyers so they feel there is an actual legal threat,” wrote one member of Lawyers for Israel, Nicky Stein, something she later admitted “a bit cheeky”.Some letter-writers claimed they had received direct responses from board chair Ita Buttrose and when news of Lattouf’s exit spread, many congratulated themselves.”Good riddance to bad rubbish,” one person said.”No doubt the PP [pro-Palestinians] will start whinging now about censorship and the Jewish lobby controlling the media,” another wrote.And when she launched her legal case in the Fair Work Commission (FWC) one person called her lawyer, who is Jewish, a “traiter”.Several members of the Lawyers for Israel chat have denied the group – which included Jewish community leaders – was controlled by any bodies or intended for organised lobbying.Ms Stein told the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) it was simply “a group of lawyers concerned about Israel and rising antisemitism”. Staff revoltThe WhatsApp messages sparked a livid meeting of the ABC staff union, attended by about 200 people.One of the broadcaster’s most senior journalists, global affairs editor John Lyons, reportedly said the release of the messages marked “one of [the ABC’s] darkest days”.”When I read those WhatsApp messages, for the first time ever… I felt embarrassed to work for the ABC,” he said, according to the SMH.”I was embarrassed that a group of 156 lawyers could laugh at how easy it was to manipulate the ABC.”The meeting culminated in a rare vote of no confidence in the ABC boss David Anderson.Union members made a list of demands, giving the editorial leadership team until Monday to respond. They have previously threatened a walkout if their concerns aren’t addressed.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The ABC board has called the criticism of David Anderson “abhorrent”The ABC board responded by calling its own emergency meeting and passing a unanimous vote of confidence in Anderson.”Any suggestion I would not defend our position when external pressure is applied – regardless of where that pressure is coming from – is offensive and incorrect,” he said in a statement.He agreed to meet staff – but “in the coming weeks”.The case has reopened old wounds for the ABC.It has revived concerns about how it treats diverse staff, after an ugly saga last year in which pioneering Aboriginal journalist Stan Grant quit over what he called a failure to protect him from racist attacks.And it’s also fed uneasiness about the broadcaster’s independence. Advocates worry that politicised appointments to the ABC board, its government-dictated funding model, and increased – often frenzied – scrutiny is jeopardising its work. Racism furore reignites scrutiny of Australian mediaPolitical influence row hits Australia ABCThe saga also comes as the broader Australian media grapples with tension over the impartiality of its coverage of the Israel Gaza war.Most notably, ABC political reporter Nour Haydar left the public broadcaster this month over its coverage of the war, as well as its treatment of culturally diverse staff. The ABC has defended its impartiality and said it is “continuing to progress” on diversity matters despite having its “most representative” workforce ever. Lattouf says its these broader themes that make her case so important.”It is not just about me. It’s about free speech, it’s about racism… and crucially, it’s also about a fair, independent and robust ABC,” she told reporters last week.After a failed mediation meeting, the ABC is now attempting to have Lattouf’s case thrown out, arguing it didn’t actually sack her.The matter is back at the FWC in March, and Lattouf says she’s in it for the long haul.”I’m willing and prepared to fight for as long as it takes,” she said.Related TopicsJournalismAustraliaMore on this storyIsrael Gaza war: History of the conflict explainedPublished15 November 2023Racism furore reignites scrutiny of Australian mediaPublished23 May 2023Who’s behind Israel-Gaza disinformation and hate online?Published15 October 2023Gaza Strip in maps: How life has changed in three monthsPublished15 JanuaryTop StoriesTrump must pay $83.3m for defaming E Jean CarrollPublished11 hours agoShip linked to Britain on fire after Houthi attackPublished45 minutes agoWWE boss Vince McMahon quits after sex abuse claimPublished8 hours agoFeaturesWhy defamation defeat is a double-edged sword for TrumpBali bomb families face accused at Guantanamo BaySumo, Surfing and Sabalenka: Photos of the weekThe Papers: ‘The King’s fine’ and ‘Klopp shock’Golden age or dying days for British theatre?Israel reined in by ICJ ruling – but will it obey?Fierce row after sacking of ABC presenter over Gaza postWoodpeckers and sparrowhawks: Your Birdwatch 2024 pictures’It’s my calling to stop knife-crime killers’Elsewhere on the BBCA Scottish wild swimming road-trip!Julie Wilson Nimmo and Greg Hemphill take the plunge at Scotland’s breath-taking wild swimming spotsAttributioniPlayerScientists uncover alcohol’s hidden dangersInvestigating what alcohol is and why so many people love to drink itAttributioniPlayerCould this Italian dream turn into a real nightmare?Amanda Holden and Alan Carr don their boiler suits to renovate a dilapidated house in TuscanyAttributioniPlayerBritish television’s greatest double actEric and Ernie share their remarkable journey through TV appearances, rare radio material and BBC archivesAttributioniPlayerMost Read1Ship linked to Britain on fire after Houthi attack2Trump must pay $83.3m for defaming E Jean Carroll3‘I thought mum left me, she’d been sent to prison’4Warning over children using viral skincare products5WWE boss Vince McMahon quits after sex abuse claim6’Alfie’s killer threatened to torture me to death’7Who won The Traitors: TV final reveals all to fans8’What terminal cancer has taught me about life’9The Papers: ‘The King’s fine’ and ‘Klopp shock’10Defamation defeat a double-edged sword for Trump](https://newsinsightplus.com/wp-content/uploads/https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/1024/branded_news/4AD2/production/_132445191_whatsappimage2024-01-25at4.10.30pm.jpg)
