Political appointee dismissed for condemning Falah's statement

Senior Political Director at Sports Ministry Ibrahim Saeed (Cade) has been dismissed for criticizing ruling People's National Congress (PNC) Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Falah's statement that 'journalists should be impaled'.

A letter sent to Saeed, signed by President's Office Minister Ali Arif, said that he is dismissed effective today under the powers granted to the President in Article 115 (f) of the Constitution. 

Saeed's dismissal comes following a post he made on Facebook last night condemning Falah's statement where he said that journalists should not be jailed, but rather impaled. 

Saeed also previously worked as a journalist. In his post, he said that Falah's statement needs to be looked into, and taken action against. 

Speaking in yesterday's parliament debate on the media bill, Falah said that media had previously targeted him, portraying him as homosexual—a depiction that had distressed his family. If such things are done, then instead of being jailed, media personnel must be 'impaled', he repeatedly said on the parliament floor. 

However, the allegations of Falah being homosexual were not reported in media, but rather was circulated on social media. 

Maldives Journalists Association and Maldives Media Council have also condemned Falah's statement and demanded a public apology.