Qatari journalist resigns in Kama Sutra henna 'scandal'

Blog: When explicit depictions from the famed text found their way onto a newspaper's pages, one editor was left in a compromising position.

Narrated

2 min read

Dalal Jebril-Rogers

01 Jun, 2015

Henna dye patterns are often used to decorate the skin, particularly at wedding celebrations [AFP]

The editor-in-chief of al-Sharq has resigned after publishing the image of two hands emblazoned with sexually explicit henna drawings inspired by the famous Kama Sutra.

The henna photo was printed in the Qatari newspaper to illustrate a news item warning readers against possible infections (from the dye).

The subsequent uproar in the newspaper's administration was followed by Jaber al-Harmi's resignation.


	The photo as it originally appeared in the newspaper. We're re-publishing it because our editor is more ok with this sort of thing [alAraby]

In a statement published today by the Qatari newspaper, Harmi took full and personal responsibility for "this genuine mistake", and officially announced his resignation.

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"All sorts of apologies are not enough for this mistake, and I here fully take the responsibility before God, Qatar (the country and the people), and the administration that trusted me and made me editor-in-chief. God be my witness, this was an unintentional mistake."

Reactions to his resignation quickly followed.

While many agreed Harmi was responsible, many more were shocked that the rest of the editorial team did not notice the saucy detail of the henna being portrayed.

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@alkaabiqatar1: How did this slip from your sight without your knowledge? Every issue must be seen and approved by you every day.

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On the other hand, many have been sending Harmi messages of support and recognition of his work ethic. Most did not want him to resign.

@zagil12 : We reject your resignation but we demand a satisfactory investigation.

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@Aljusaiman: We hope you take back your resignation since everyone makes mistakes. No one is perfect and you're the right man for the job.

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Do you think Harmi should have kept his job after sexing up the paper? Has anything similar ever happened in your workplace? Let us know in the comments section below...