A regional pharmacy manager of the State Trading Organization (STO) has been demoted to the post of a stock officer for allegedly criticizing President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and senior government officials on social media.
A letter sent by STO to demote the employee has been widely circulated on social media.
Ahmed Shiyaz Naeem, who was demoted from the post of manager to Gaaf Dhaal Atoll Pharmacies, told Adhadhu that STO began looking into the matter on February 29. He was asked to give an online statement regarding his social media posts.
"Two members of the legal team asked questions. They mainly questioned about posts on my Facebook account which criticized senior government officials and government policies," he said.
He confirmed the authenticity of the letter circulating on social media.
The letter, signed by STO General Manager Mariyam Nuzla reads: "The irresponsible posts on social media aimed at the President and senior government officials is not something that should have been done by an employee in a responsible position such as Ahmed Shiyaz who has been entrusted with representing the company."
The company decided to demote him from regional pharmacy manager to stock officer starting today. The action was taken under Article 19(b) of the Employment Act, the letter stated.
When questioned about the matter, an official from STO told Adhadhu that the company would comment after looking into the matter. However, the company has not provided any details yet.
