CNN made a big mistake after hiring a writer who posted several times on social media that believes the world needs another “Hitler.”
Adeel Raja, who lists himself as a “Freelance Contributor at CNN” on his LinkedIn profile, appears to have published several articles for CNN’s webpage, a review by the Washington Examiner found. According to the LinkedIn profile, Raja has held the position from August 2013 until the present day. His most recent byline for the outlet appears to have been from Sept. 16, 2020.
“As a freelancer, his reporting contributed to some newsgathering efforts from Islamabad,” said CNN in a statement. “However, in light of these abhorrent statements, he will not be working with CNN again in any capacity.”
On Sunday, Raja wrote in a now-deleted tweet: “The world today needs a Hitler.”
Late last week, Raja responded to a tweet from former Vice President Mike Pence, which stated: “America stands with Israel.”
Raja tweeted: “A history of creating terrorists and standing with them!”
America Stands with Israel. 🇺🇸 🇮🇱
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) May 11, 2021
During the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Raja wrote, “The only reason I am supporting Germany in the finals – Hitler was a German and he did well with those Jews!” The next day Raja wrote: “Hail Hitler!”
“The unearthing of Raja’s controversial comments come amid the escalating violence between Israel and the militant group Hamas in the Middle East, which is at its most violent since the 2014 Gaza War,” Fox News reported. “Palestinian militants have fired hundreds of rockets into Israel, the majority of which have been intercepted by Israel’s ‘Iron Dome’ missile defence system. Israel has also responded with a series of airstrikes, which have taken out some of Hamas’ senior leaders.”
“He is also an executive producer at Pakistani ARY News,” the Daily Mail reported. “In 2016, he won the Agahi Award for Investigative Journalist of the Year, according to his Twitter account. The Agahi Awards are an annual series of awards for journalism in Pakistan.”
Daily Caller social media manager Greg Price tweeted: “This guy has 54 articles under his byline at CNN. They should probably fire whoever does their background checks.”
Donald Trump Jr. tweeted: “Hey @cnn this seems to be one of yours, but I imagine that surprises no one anymore.”
Hey @cnn this seems to be one of yours, but I imagine that surprises no one anymore. https://t.co/b90yrLXNps pic.twitter.com/JMq89aURur
— Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) May 16, 2021
Sources: DAILY MAIL, FOX NEWS, WASHINGTON EXAMINER, DAILY WIRE