Security contractor can seek damages from CNN over Afghan war profiteer report
As a film enthusiast with a keen eye for journalistic integrity and a background in media studies, I find myself deeply troubled by this ongoing saga between CNN and Zachary Young. While I understand the need for investigative reporting to expose wrongdoings, it’s equally important to ensure that innocent parties are not unjustly smeared in the process.
On Friday, it was decided that a security contractor has the right to pursue compensatory damages, in addition to potentially receiving punitive damages, against CNN, stemming from a report published in November 2021 alleging war profiteers overcharged Afghans attempting to exit their country following the U.S. military withdrawal.
Zachary Young, the contractor, claimed that CNN negatively impacted his business when they featured him in a report by their chief national security correspondent, Alex Marquardt. This segment centered around the issue of Afghans being overcharged by evacuation services.
The report used the term “black market” in an onscreen graphic and in a spoken introduction. Young, the only person mentioned by name in the segment, said the report gave the false impression that he was involved in illegal activity and exploited “desperate Afghans.”
Previously, Judge William S. Henry of Florida decided that Young’s actions didn’t break any laws and he never received Afghan funds personally. Instead, Young’s organization aimed to secure corporate sponsors who would cover the costs of helping Afghans leave Afghanistan.
In his decision, Henry stated that there is enough proof available for a fair jury to conclude beyond a reasonable doubt that the Defendant intentionally acted in a reckless and harmful manner.
As a moviegoer engrossed in the world of news, I’d put it this way: Should the situation unfold towards a courtroom showdown, the jury would be tasked with discerning if CNN journalists were carelessly indifferent to the truth when they disseminated unfounded information. This concept is often referred to as “actual malice.
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In a recent statement, a judge found that a previous government employee provided proof of malicious intent according to a 2021 report detailing organizations receiving funds to facilitate the evacuation of Afghans as the U.S. military withdrew.
A CNN representative declined comment on the case.
Marquardt’s account, initially shared on “The Lead With Jake Tapper,” revealed that Afghans seeking exit from their homeland are confronted with a shady marketplace where they encounter pledges of assistance, extortionate charges, and no assurance regarding their safety or eventual success.
After receiving complaints from Young, CNN replaced “black market” with another term in their online report. On March 25, 2022, they also issued an on-air apology, stating that he was not associated with any illegal activities. However, Young expressed that CNN did not fully retract the initial story to his satisfaction.
The court has set a two-week trial starting from January 6th. In case it proceeds, employees and managers at CNN may be required to provide open testimony about their internal operations. Some of this information might prove awkward or inconvenient for them.
The evidence presented in the case involves disparaging text messages sent by CNN journalists about an individual named Young, using derogatory language such as “jerk” and terms not suitable for a family-friendly environment. Additionally, there was a message suggesting they would expose or punish Young, using a vulgar slang term.
Additionally, there were emails from editors expressing doubts about if the story was fit for broadcast at that point in time (the segment eventually received approval following the network’s review process).
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2024-12-10 01:31