Ali Waheed’s legal team stated that the former Tourism minister was framed and the investigation conducted over the past year in regards to the charges raised against him is unjust.
In the press release issued by Ali Waheed’s legal team, the state was accused of treating him unfairly, having noted nine points.
Things noted by Ali Waheed’s legal team
- He was dismissed from his position as minister without any investigation or a chance to explain
- No briefing was given in regards to the charges raised against him through the investigation
- No sentences declared by the Prosecutor Generals Office (PGO) was questioned during the investigation
- His prosecution was based on political motives without any proof
- The case being forwarded to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) in an attempt to scare the head Judge
- Holding the hearing in secret although Ali Waheed requested for it to be open to the public and media
- In the court of law and according to the laws under the Criminal Act, the accused did not receive a statement of the crimes he committed, against who, where and when, like he was supposed to
- The PGO spread false information and to courts and media
- Unjust punishments were placed upon Ali Waheed
Ali Waheed was dismissed as Tourism minister in July 2020 after being accused of sexually assaulting and harassing multiple people in the workplace. At first, his passport was withheld by Maldives Immigration as requested by the PGO, but was later released so he could travel for medical treatment. He was then sentenced to two months and 12 days in prison for contempt of court.
Seven counts of sexual assault charges were raised against him in November 2020; one count of attempted rape, one count of sexual abuse, one count of indecent exposure, one count of sexual harassment and one count of attempted sexual harassment. He is also charged with two counts of solicitation of sexual favors.
