MMPRC confirms internal sexual harassment probe
The statement assured that necessary action would be taken after the disciplinary committee's investigation.
By
Shahudha Mohamed
The disciplinary committee of the Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) said early on Monday morning that it will investigate the allegations circulating on social media that a senior official of the MMPRC sexually assaulted female employees working under him.
MMPRC Deputy Managing Director Bassam Adam has been accused of sexually assaulting three female employees of the company.
The allegations against Bassam include during this year’s ITB Berlin Fair in Germany:
-
Touching an employee with sexual intent without consent
-
Indecent conversation with three employees with sexual intent
Rumours have been circulating on social media that all three employees who were sexually assaulted have reported the incident to the office.
A statement issued by the MMPRC at 3 am on Monday morning said:
-
No employee of the company has officially filed any complaint against an employee of the MMPRC as is being circulated on social media
-
The disciplinary committee will look into the matter to ensure the validity of the information received by the management
-
The statement assured that necessary action would be taken after the disciplinary committee's investigation
“Sexual derogatory behaviour is unacceptable to the management of this company and I assure you that the company will take the strongest possible action against any employee who commits such behaviour,” it said in a statement.
MMPRC Managing Director Fathimath Shafeeg reposted the statement shortly after it was posted in 'X'.
"No such behaviour will be tolerated. This will be investigated with topmost seriousness, and action will be taken against anyone found guilty," she said, reposting the MMPRC statement at 3:30 pm.
Bassam, the one facing sexual harassment allegations, posted on 'X' this morning with the meaning of the sixth verse of Surah Al-Hujurat.
Referring to the verse, which advises people to fact check information before accepting it as truth, Bassam called on the people to remember during Ramadan that the Qur'an commands against slander and spreading false information.
Sexual harassment in the workplace is common in Maldives but often goes unjustified.
Ali Waheed, who was the tourism minister of the previous government, was also charged with sexual assault and attempted rape. However, the charges were withdrawn, and he is now free. He is also contesting the upcoming parliamentary elections on a MDP ticket.
