Suspension on MMC member lifted due to ‘lack of evidence’ of sexual harassment

Maldives Media Council (MMC) has lifted the suspension on its member Mohamed Shafiu, after the police failed to find evidence to prove he sexually harassed a female reporter.

Shafiu was accused of sending multiple unsolicited text messages of personal nature to a female reporter from the online media outlet ‘Vaguthu’ back in October.

According to a statement issued by ‘Vaguthu’ on October 23, Shafiu began texting the reporter after a MMC-organized trip to India.

The media outlet lodged a case with the police over the issue.

MMC placed Shafiu under suspension after the police opened an investigation into the case.

In a statement Saturday, MMC said the police had filed the case due to lack of evidence, and the council had therefore lifted the suspension on Shafiu.

MMC also condemned ‘Vaguthu’, stating that its statement had led to a negative public image regarding its members.

“The statement and related articles released by Vaguthu Online accusing Maldives Media Council’s member Mohamed Shafiu of sexually harassing one of their employees violates Article 2 and Article 4 of Media Code of Ethics, and were published irresponsible and with complete disregard for facts in a manner that creates a false and negative public image regarding the Media Council and its members,” said MMC.

MMC called on media outlets to adhere to ethical standards.