Judicial Ruling Mandates “Masr 360” to Compensate Journalist for Arbitrary Dismissal
The South Cairo Labor Court, in case No. 877 of 2022 Labor Full, ruled on June 26, 2024, that “Misr 360,” affiliated with the Daal Center for Development, Support, and Media, must compensate journalist Asmaa Kamal, known as “Asmaa Zidan,” with EGP 26,669 for wrongful termination, notice period, due payments, and accrued leave.
The plaintiff, legally represented by a lawyer from the Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights, began working as a journalist at Misr 360, affiliated with the Daal Center for Development, Support, and Media, in January 2021 with a monthly salary of EGP 5,000.
Less than a year into her employment, she was abruptly informed of the termination of her employment without any administrative or legal procedures.
Following this, the plaintiff filed a complaint with the Labor Office, registered under No. 806 of 2022. As an amicable settlement between the disputing parties failed, the Labor Office referred the complaint to the Labor Court for adjudication. The case was registered as No. 877 of 2022 Labor Full South Cairo before the 17th Labor Circuit.
During the hearings, the court appointed an expert from the Ministry of Justice to prepare a detailed report. The expert visited the defendant’s institution and met with an administrative employee who promised to present documents at the next session, which did not happen. Consequently, the expert concluded the task and submitted a report in favor of the plaintiff.
In addition, court referred the case for investigation and witness testimony. Th plaintiff brought witnesses to testify to her dismissal before the court. Their testimonies were heard and recorded, and the court reserved the case for judgment on June 26, 2024.
During the session, the court ordered the defendant institution to pay the plaintiff EGP 10,000 as compensation for unlawful termination, EGP 10,000 for the notice period, EGP 3,000 for the February 2022 salary, and EGP 3,669 for accrued leave.
The Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights appreciates the judicial ruling that reinforces journalists’ rights in their workplaces and reaffirms its ongoing legal support for them, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing their fundamental role in society.
