MMPRC deputy chief denies suspension amid sexual harassment probe

Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) Deputy Managing Director (DMD) Bassam Adam has denied allegations that he has been suspended for allegedly sexually assaulting female employees.

No comments could be obtained from the MMPRC after repeated attempts.

Allegations of sexual assault against three female employees of MMPRC began circulating on social media on Monday evening. The allegations against Bassam include incidents from this year’s ITB Berlin Fair in Germany:

MMPRC issued a press release at 3 am on Monday saying the company's disciplinary committee was investigating the allegations. There are also rumours that Bassam has been suspended.

However, Bassam denies that. He said he has not been suspended or removed from his position.

"I'm just doing my job. I'm doing campaign-like work right now. I can go [to the office] whenever I want," he said, noting that he doesn't necessarily have to go to the office these days with the last 10 days of Ramadan declared public holidays.

Atoll Times repeatedly tried to get a statement from the MMPRC but it could not be reached for comment. The company's Managing Director Fathimath Thaufeeg did not answer the phone.

When asked by Atoll Times about the allegations against him, Bassam declined to comment.

“I have no comment at the moment if it is a case under investigation,” Bassam said.

However, when asked repeatedly about the reasons behind such allegations, he said there was no reason to make such allegations.

"I know who I am. Friends who know me will know what kind of person I am. There will be a lot of women and men who have worked with me. I have worked on big events at all hours, even till late," he said.

Even if an investigation is conducted, "nothing like that will come up," he said.

"I am that certain”.