Reuters’ chief photographer in the Middle East has been sacked, after an internal investigation relating to last year’s doctored pictures in Lebanon.

Two pictures of the conflict published by Reuters had been digitally edited. The pictures had been taken by a freelance Lebanese photographer, Adnan Hajj, who was promptly dismissed and whose pictures were removed from Reuter’s sales database.

"We are fully satisfied that it was unfortunate human error that led to the inadvertent publication of two rogue photographs. There was absolutely no intention on Reuters part to mislead the public," said Reuters’ editor-in-chief, David Schlesinger.

Yet it sacked its Middle East chief photographer and regretted the oversights that had allowed the two altered pictures to be published.

He (Reuters didn’t give his name) “was dismissed in the course of the investigation for his handling of the case," Mr Schlesinger said.

Reuters has tightened its editing procedures, and has emphasized training, codes of conduct, and the control process. A more than ever necessary procedure as edited pictures are reaching a near degree of realism perfection.

Stephen Crisp, a veteran Reuters photographer, was appointed as the new chief photographer for the Middle East.

Source: Media Guardian