Maldives: Newsroom editor who sexually assaulted a woman journalist might face revocation of awards

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August 12, Malé, Maldives -- On August 10, 73 journalists signed a petition against Adam Haleem, an award-winning editor of Avas Online, who is accused of workplace sexual misconduct. The petition has been submitted to authorities. Adam was previously arrested in 2014, when he was caught on CCTV grabbing a female employee who fell on a flight of stairs before another employee intervened to stop the incident. But he was later released. 

This year, following a surge of women exposing sexual harassment in different industries, video footage seemingly depicting the attack resurfaced, prompting an outcry against a prevalent and prevailing toxic and abusive work culture in Maldives.

Journalists that signed the petition expressed concern regarding the alleged conduct of a senior figure of a local media and called for equal opportunity, as well as the provision of a safe working environment to female employees at workplaces. The petition also noted Adam’s history as a sexual harasser, mentioning the footage that went viral at the time.

The petition calls on the government and institutions to consider the withdrawal of awards won by such figures accused of misconduct and also demands a thorough investigation of such incidents, along with legal action to be pursued, if need be.

In light of the allegations against him, journalists have also called for the retraction of the National Award in Journalism and the Golden Pen Award in Journalism won by Adam Haleem in 2010 and 2018, respectively.

“We, journalists, request for the formation of a policy to withdraw any such awards and honors won by individuals who are accused of similar misconduct and the full implementation of this policy after its formation.” Read the petition according to Edition.mv.

The petition demands institutions to implement this policy in a manner to ensure that figures accused of such misconduct are not bestowed such honors and awards in the future. It read that its purpose was to ensure the integrity and faith of the public in journalism and journalists; to encourage youth and women to enter the industry, while being ensured that their rights are protected and maintained by state institutions.

In addition to investigating the allegations against Haleem and revoking his awards, the petition calls for authorities to amend policies to prevent individuals facing serious allegations from receiving such awards in the future.

CFWIJ supports the dignified efforts of these journalists who have exposed sexual misconduct within newsrooms and have called for authorities to implement rules to make sure journalism is a safe profession for women. We urge Maldivian authorities to take swift action  and ensure the integrity of women in journalism.