Police yet to question ex-tourism minister in sexual abuse inquiry

Former Tourism Minister, Ali Waheed, is yet to be questioned in relation to the sexual abuse allegations against him.

Police revealed this at a press conference on Thursday evening, where Deputy Police Commissioner Abdul Mannaan Yousuf said that this is because they have not reached that point in the investigation.

Chief Inspector of Police, Maryam Azma revealed that 15 people have been questioned in the probe in to the sexual abuse allegations at the tourism ministry, at the press conference.

She also revealed that search and seizure operations have been conducted in several locations, in relation to the case. However, she did not disclose any further details.

While Azma also said that Waheed’s passport was seized in connection to the case, Mannan stressed that this is one of the many actions taken in the investigation into the tourism ministry case. He added that the purpose of this is to pave way for the required action in relation to the case, and stressed that a person's passport will only be withheld if they are a flight risk.

Further, Chief Superintendent Mohamed Basheer declined to reveal how many victims had testified thus far, citing possible influence to investigation.

He emphasized that they are still at the “initial stage” of the investigation which was submitted to police on July 9.

Ali Waheed was fired as tourism minister last Thursday, hours after President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih told him to resign. He was fired after failing to follow through with the president's order.

While the President's Office official had said that he was dismissed due to inappropriate behaviour at the work place, reports have since surfaced that a number of female employees are accusing the former minister of sexual abuse. They are to have shared their experiences with the president and gender minister, at a meeting held last week.

Waheed has denied the allegations, saying that "time will tell the truth" and that the truth "will always prevail".

Police officers conducted a search operation at his residence last Saturday, where his mobile phone and laptop were seized as well.