Al Jazeera exec 'compared to Saddam' A television executive who is alleged to have forced a senior female employee from her job at the Qatar-based Al Jazeera TV network had the "managerial skills of Saddam Hussein", a tribunal has heard. Jo Burgin claims she suffered sex, race and religious discrimination at the Arabic network's English channel and has launched a $1.75 million compensation claim for lost earnings. Burgin, 49, also claims she was told her contract would not be renewed because the company had a no-couples rule and she was in a relationship with her colleague Steve Clark, but says the company knew of their relationship when she joined. Clark, the former director of news and now her husband, told the Central London Employment Tribunal that Ibrahim Helal, the channel's deputy managing director, was sexist and showed anti-Western and pro-Islamic bias, according to media reports in the UK. "I believe that Mr Helal was not prepared to deal with a Western woman in a senior editorial position," he said. He added Helal's treatment of Burgin, which was said to include ignoring her and shouting over her, was "designed to marginalise the claimant". Ingrid Simler QC, for Al Jazeera, told the tribunal that Helal said he made the decisions on editorial grounds and denied they were politically or racially motivated. The Qatar-based network denies Burgin's claims. The tribunal was also told Al Jazeera was concerned about Burgin's ability and her knowledge of Middle Eastern issues. She questioned Clark about the fact Helal claims he had to correct "basic mistakes" Burgin made during discussions on politics and events relating to the region. The hearing continues. Arabian Business Al Jazeera is a pioneering news company however sadly some people have gone into a power trip and need to be removed.

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