Cabinet minister accused of sexual harassment

A cabinet minister has been accused of sexual harassment, by multiple employees.

While the reports first surfaced on social media by an anonymous account in late October, it has since caught the attention of a number of individuals including women’s rights activists and former ministers.

According to @Alice66207032, this particular cabinet minister has been “allowed to remain in position” despite the multiple allegations against him being reported to the relevant authorities.

Noting that the cases were reported in April, ‘Alice’ reports that no action has been taken against the minister and that victims have instead been “blamed and shamed” within the ministry, “except for a few who stood bravely with the victims”.

While the account did not disclose the identity of the minister at first, rather describing him as an that represents the Maldives in the international community, it has since revealed his identity.

RaajjeMV was unable to obtain a comment from the minister, as he refused to answer our calls or text messages at the time of publication.

“The first victim was at first groomed during his official visits abroad. Then he called this lady to his room in 6th floor and gradually started the physical part. At first it was just a handshake, then a photograph and then his hands will be all over her body. The second victim works as his personal secretary in minister’s bureau. She stood up at first. But then she was terrorized by the Permanent Secretary and particular senior staff of the ministry and she backed out. The third victim worked abroad and was recalled & placed in admin dept with the intention of sexually harassing her. She also worked in bureau on and off,” according to the anonymous account.

The information was shared on social media following another such case, against a member of the Elections Commission.

While a number of individuals continue to express outrage over the matter, prominent figures such as former Foreign Minister Dunya Maumoon and former Ambassador of Maldives to the United Kingdom, Farah Didi have called for investigations into the matter.

“There are reports in social media alleging that a senior person in the Foreign Service has sexually harassed junior female staff. I am extremely concerned and disturbed by these allegations. Such abuse of power in any institution needs to be immediately investigated,” said Dunya.

Former ambassador Farah pointed out the lack of concern over sexual harassment cases in Maldives, highlighting that “previously an ambassadorial post was given to a person removed by parliament because of sexual harassment”.