ABC faces backlash for firing host over alleged pro-Palestine views

A massive row has erupted in Australia after the state-run Australian Broadcasting Corporation fired its radio show host Antoinette Lattouf for allegedly promoting antisemitism and bias. Lattouf, who is of Lebanese heritage, is known for her pro-Palestinian views.

The 40-year-old claimed that the ABC buckled under pressure from pro-Israel groups, and said that she was sacked based on her political opinion and race, reports BBC.

Her dismissal has created public outrage who are raising doubts over the public broadcaster's independence, as it is funded by the Australian government and claims to be politically independent.

The ABC, however, denied her claims saying that Lattouf was fired for violating social media guidelines by sharing a post related to the Israel-Gaza conflict from Human Rights Watch.

Lattouf's post came hours after ABC itself had covered the HRW report, and Lattouf claims other ABC employees had also shared the post, reports BBC.

She claimed that other staff wrote "far more inflammatory" social media posts in the past but weren't let go.

"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.

(With inputs from agencies)