Arab women living in Italy have expressed their support for five female journalists who resigned from the Arab TV network, Al-Jazeera, after the network criticised their clothing. Dounia Ettaib, president of the Arab Women’s Association in Italy, told Adnkronos International (AKI) she also wanted the Doha-based network to guarantee journalists’ rights in the Middle East.
“We express our solidarity for the five Al-Jazeera journalists forced to resign over their clothing and we ask the Qatari TV network not to discriminate against women who work there,” she told AKI on Tuesday.
Five female newscasters left their Al-Jazeera anchor positions after the company criticised them for their “clothes and decency”.
The fracas allegedly occurred after the women repeatedly appeared on television wearing make-up and without covering their hair. Al-Jazeera claims they have the right to enforce a dress code that reflects its principles.
The women also said that deputy editor-in-chief Ayman Jaballah made offensive remarks about them and their choice of dress.
The journalists are Joumana Nammour, Lina Zahr al-Din, Jullinar Mousa, Luna al-Shibl and Nawfar Afli and all are reportedly well-respected in the region.
Established in 1996, Al-Jazeera has attempted to stray from the government-dictated media of the region.
“We are expecting clarifications from the Qatari network regarding their work future and detailed explanations on the whole episide,” Ettaib said.
“We wish the journalists well, especially considering that since they resigned they have not released any public statement.”
Three of the women come from Lebanon, the other two from Syria and Tunisia respectively — decided to quit after a lengthy dispute.