Police probe accusations of sexual misconduct, against Avas editor
14 އޯގަސްޓު 2020 | ހުކުރު 10:04The petition was signed by 73 journalists from 19 media outlets
Adam \"Mundoo\" Haleem
Maldives Police Service (MPS) has launched investigations into the petition filed against Adam "Mundoo" Haleem, the Chief Editor of Avas Online, based on serious accusations of sexual assault and misconduct.
The petition, signed by 73 journalists from 19 media outlets, was submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Maldives Police Service (MPS), President’s Office and the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services on Wednesday.
In a letter addressed to the group of journalists, police revealed that the case is currently under investigations.
The letter goes on to read that the required action will be taken after investigations conclude.
The petition stressed the issue of concern how Haleem is accused of sexual misconduct against more than one employee, as someone filling a “reliable and senior” position at a media outlet.
The award-winning Avas Online editor came under fire after alleged victims flooded social media with accusations of sexual misconduct in the work place against a number of female employees, continually.
An ex-staff member who joined Avas to pursue her dream as a journalist, wrote on Twitter that she wanted to prove Haleem, who “degraded women saying women can’t lead and have no work ethic and how they always get absent to work”, wrong.
Serious allegations of sexual misconduct have been pinned against Haleem at a time he had also come under fire after a video depicting him assaulting a staff in VTV during his time working there, went viral on social media.
The journalists that signed the petition stated that the case will churn fear in the hearts of young and aspiring journalists and those who wish to thrive in the field, especially women.
The petition calls on authorities to serve justice for perpetrators in cases of sexual assault, going on to urge authorities to consider withdrawing awards which were conferred to figures who have been accused of misconduct. Haleem in 2010, won the National Award in Journalism followed by a Golden Pen Award in Journalism during 2018.
