Suspended Broadcom staff files complaint with NIC, parliament
Secretary-General Mariyam Zeeniya was formally dismissed from her post on Tuesday following a three-day suspension.
Broadcasting Commission IT officer Ahmed Fazeel has filed a complaint with the National Integrity Commission (NIC) and the Parliament following his suspension from the commission.
Fazeel was suspended from duty for a period of seven days on Wednesday, one day after staff at the Broadcasting Commission staged a walkout in protest of the removal of Secretary-General Mariyam Zeeniya.
According to Commission Chairperson Safa Thaufeeq, the decision to suspend Fazeel followed an internal inquiry into issues related to the commission’s server. Police stated that digital forensic officers provided technical assistance to the commission in resolving the server issue, but noted that their presence was not part of a criminal investigation.
Fazeel said he was questioned by police on the day of the incident and was scheduled to report to the station the following day, but the appointment was postponed after he received a call that morning. He stated that he was asked questions from what he described as an investigative perspective.
In letters addressed to the NIC and the Parliament, Fazeel raised concerns regarding the role of the police and the process by which he was suspended. He claimed that individuals identifying themselves as police entered the commission office, accessed the server, and requested its password. He said the server contains confidential information related to employees, the agency, and broadcasters.
Fazeel’s letter includes several requests for clarification:
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While the police have publicly stated that they are not conducting an investigation, the letter of suspension issued by Commission Chairperson Safa cited a police-led “investigation” as the reason for disciplinary action.
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He asked the NIC and Parliament to determine whether the police had formally communicated to the commission that “questionable matters” had been identified, as referenced by the commission’s leadership.
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If such communication was made, he requested that the details be disclosed.
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He noted that no further action has been taken following the postponement of his police appointment.
Fazeel also stated that he intends to escalate the matter to other relevant authorities, alleging that the suspension constitutes a violation of his rights. He further claimed that recent actions taken against employees reflect the grievances raised in a petition previously submitted by staff members against the commission’s leadership.
Secretary-General Mariyam Zeeniya was formally dismissed from her post on Tuesday following a three-day suspension. The commission attributed her removal to non-cooperation with commission decisions and alleged disrespect toward the body.
