Knesset Member Tibi Threatens Lawsuit Against Channel 13 Hosts
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Member of Knesset Ahmad Tibi is demanding NIS 150,000 and a public apology from Channel 13 hosts Eyal Berkovich and Moria Asraf for alleged defamation. The hosts questioned Tibi's medical doctorate on air, sparking outrage and leading to Berkovich's temporary suspension. Tibi's lawyer has issued a seven-day ultimatum before filing a lawsuit, accusing the remarks of being offensive and potentially racist.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- MK Ahmad Tibi demands NIS 150,000 and apology from Channel 13 hosts for alleged defamation.
- Berkovich questioned Tibi's medical doctorate on air, sparking controversy and his suspension.
- Channel 13 suspended Eyal Berkovich, citing that freedom of expression does not justify racist remarks.
- Tibi's lawyer issued a seven-day ultimatum to the hosts and channel before filing a lawsuit.
- Moria Asraf appeared alone on air, defending herself and stating Berkovich will return soon.
Member of Knesset Ahmad Tibi is threatening a defamation lawsuit against Channel 13 hosts Eyal Berkovich and Moria Asraf over comments made about him on their program last Saturday. Tibi's lawyer, Galad Barnea, sent a warning letter to the hosts and Channel 13 demanding a public apology and NIS 150,000 for needy students. The letter, also sent to Channel 13 News, gives the hosts and the channel seven days to comply before legal action is taken.
Tibi also demands a prominent and detailed apology on the next "Moria and Berkovich" broadcast and the removal of the segment from digital platforms and social media. The warning follows a November 7 broadcast where Berkovich and Asraf discussed American public figure Abdul Al Sayed, who holds anti-Israel views. Berkovich questioned Al Sayed's doctorate and then brought Tibi into the conversation, despite his not being related to the discussion. Berkovich questioned Tibi's doctorate, suggesting he should "bring the certificate," while Asraf laughed. Channel 13 correspondent Soliman Maswadeh clarified that Tibi holds a medical doctorate, but Berkovich continued to joke. Tibi's lawyer stated the remarks were offensive, humiliating, and intended to damage Tibi's reputation, potentially with racist undertones and harm to his public standing.
The comments sparked outrage online and among media professionals. Tibi initially called the program "Channel 13's racist garbage dump." Channel 13 subsequently suspended Berkovich, stating that while freedom of expression is fundamental, it does not justify racist remarks, and that the comments do not align with the company's values. Tibi also shared an AI-generated image depicting him as a referee showing Berkovich a red card, with the caption "Both a doctor and an Arab."
On Sunday, Asraf appeared alone, addressing Berkovich's suspension and stating he would return soon. She also defended herself against calls for her dismissal, vowing not to be silenced. Alongside the suspension and public criticism, Berkovich, Asraf, and the channel now face Tibi's legal demands, with his lawyer warning of a financial lawsuit and legal costs if demands are not met within seven days.
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