Maldives Police Service (MPS) has launched a criminal investigation into allegations of sexual assault against a former ‘senior official’ at the foreign ministry.

Back in November, reports surfaced that former Foreign Minister Dr. Mohamed Asim had harassed at least three female employees. Shortly after, the ministry released a statement confirming that it was investigating a sexual harassment case against ‘a senior official.’

In a statement released on Monday, the ministry’s committee on prevention of sexual harassment and abuse said that all documents in the case “have been forwarded to the police, upon request” under Article 19 (g) of the Sexual Abuse and Harassment Act.

It highlighted that the complaint was filed at the committee on November 8.

Further noting that sexual harassment at the workplace “cannot be tolerated,” the ministry announced plans to conduct awareness programmes on sexual harassment at the workplace, with the assistance of relevant institutions.

While the foreign ministry has not officially disclosed the identity of the individual facing the allegations, then Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Mohamed Hussain Shareef confirmed that it was then-minister Asim.

Following the allegations, a number of people including Shareef and Women in Management (WIM), had called for Asim’s immediate resignation. However, he remained in post until former President Abdulla Yameen’s five-year term ended on November 17.

Days after assuming office, current Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid revealed plans to conduct training programmes to ensure safety of women at the workplace. He noted that 80 percent of the employees at the ministry are women.