Complaint
During a discussion about Israel’s offensive in Gaza, a contributor, the journalist and commentator Ash Sarkar, described the conflict as a “genocidal war”. A viewer complained the presenter, Victoria Derbyshire, failed to challenge her remarks and appeared to agree with what she was saying, in breach of the BBC’s Guidelines on impartiality.
Outcome
The relevant exchange followed an assertion by Ms Sarkar that what she described as a “genocidal war” was an “international project” supported not just by the United States but by many other countries.
Presenter: Obviously the IDF would say it’s not a genocidal war, the Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) would say it’s not a genocidal war
Ash Sarkar: I might also say I’m six feet two…not all things are true
Presenter: Absolutely, I’m just saying what they would say. I’m not necessarily giving it equivalence, I’m just saying what they would say.
The ECU did not agree this indicated the presenter, Victoria Derbyshire agreed with Ms Sarkar. Ms Derbyshire was pointing out the difference between an undisputed fact (i.e. someone’s height) and an assertion made by an army or a politician about a disputed event, which was open to challenge.
Not Upheld
