Ex-pres. decides not to pursue charges against 'attacker'

Former President Mohamed Waheed has decided against pressing charges against the individual that he claims had “verbally attacked” him.

Waheed had requested a police investigation into an incident that took place while he was out for exercise with wife Ilham Hussain on Sunday. A statement released by his office said that the former president was “stalked and verbally attacked” by an individual associated with the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

Further noting that the said individual has not attempted any physical assaults despite being within arms reach of the former president and wife, the statement said that “this prolonged attacked represents both verbal and physical (by proximity) intimidation, harassment, and abuse, and the use of vulgar and obscene language is deplorable”.

While police have also confirmed that an investigation has been launched into the matter, Waheed via Twitter on Tuesday revealed his decision to not pursue charges against the individual.

As per the tweet, the decision was reached after being informed of the fact that the individual in question, Ibrahim Jaufar, suffers from mental and physical trauma.

Waheed added that the trauma inflicted on Jaufar could be a result of “political violence or brutality and being used as a political pawn”.

In a second tweet, the former president condemned the “threats and harassment” of Jaufar’s family as well as his own, and accused MDP lawmakers and members of sanctioning hate and such attacks as well “calling on people to further violate laws”.

Waheed came into power after the resignation of former President Mohamed Nasheed; he was Nasheed’s running mate in the 2008 presidential elections and his administration’s vice president. While Nasheed claims that he was forced out of office in a coup, his MDP described Waheed as “a traitor”.