Commercial Bank of Qatar is facing social media criticism after it posted a "warning" message in the English newspaper Gulf Times and the Arabic newspaper Al Raya against a former senior employee.
The bizarre quarter-page advertisement advised against dealing with Sharoq Al Malki, a Qatari citizen and an outgoing general manager and chief human capital officer for the bank. A color photograph of Malki was included.
According to the advertisement, Malki is still using her former title although she has been terminated since Dec. 9. However, a source close to Malki told Doha News that she had been given a six-month notice and was still technically employed with the bank until June 9.
While it is normal for a note regarding the termination of an employee's contract to be published in a Qatari newspaper, the size and prominence of CBQ's posting is strange and has drawn significant online support for Malki and criticism for CBQ
Her name in Arabic has been turned into a hashtag and many have begun sharing their support on Twitter.
Many have strongly criticized the bank's actions...
Some have said it negatively impacts CBQ's image
However, the bank has responded by publishing a follow-up advertisement, defending it's decision...
CBQ said that it "has not intended to harm a Qatari national by any means" and did not intend to "breach the principles, the values and the morals of the valued Qatari society, which are highly respected, appreciated and followed by the Commercial Bank," according to Doha News.
As for Malki, she thanked everyone for their support and suggested she'd be taking legal action.
Thanks to everyone who supported my case, this shows unity and support between one country's nation.
You considered me as a sister or a daughter whose family won't accept what happened, so please consider that the other party has a family to respect as well.
Things are now taking its legal course and we all believe in the fairness of our judiciary.