TV boss had 'managerial skills of Saddam'

An executive at the Al Jazeera TV channel had the management skills of Saddam Hussein, an employment tribunal heard today.

Ibrahim Helal, deputy managing director for news and programmes for the English language service, was also accused of being sexist towards women and of displaying anti-Western and pro-Islamic bias in editorial decisions.

The comments came in evidence from Steve Clark, the husband of a former executive at the channel who claims she was forced out of her job because she was a Western, Christian woman.

Mr Clark, who was also in a senior position for the channel in Qatar as director of news, said: "His editorial style was non-existent. I would say he had the managerial skills of Saddam Hussein."

Mr Clark's wife Josephine, known as Jo Burgin, 49, is seeking "substantial damages" in her claim of sex, race and religious discrimination after her contract was not renewed last year.

Ingrid Simler, QC, for Al Jazeera, said Mr Helal made decisions on editorial grounds and denied they were politically or racially motivated. The hearing continues.