Ex-minister says sexual misconduct allegations are 'politically motivated'

Ali Waheed, who was fired as tourism minister following sexual assault allegations, has denied the accusations against him.

Waheed who has not been seen in public since been accused of assaulting several female employees at the ministry, spoke to the media for the first time regarding the allegations against him, after a police interrogation on Sunday night.

While he was inside the police headquarters for about two hours, Waheed later told reporters that he is cooperating in the investigation and claimed that the accusations against him ‘are politically motivated’.

The disgraced former minister did not reveal any further details on this, but said that the people 'will see the truth once the investigation is completed'.

Waheed added “justice must be served”.

When questioned regarding his future in the political arena, Waheed said that he can only make a decision after receiving justice.

Further noting that he had made numerous contributions to the Solih administration, Waheed said that he is “very saddened” by the allegations against him.

While the former minister was also questioned regarding reports of having possible audio clips of President Solih and Speaker Mohamed Nasheed, he denied this as well. Waheed added that those that worked with him will be aware that he will not do such a thing.

Police had previously held a search and seizure operation at Ali Waheed’s residence, and seized his phone and laptop. His passport has been withheld too.

While several female employees at the tourism ministry had met with the president and gender minister to share their experiences at the ministry, President Solih told Waheed to handover his resignation.

However, following his failure to follow through with the order, the president fired him the next day.

While the President’s Office had said that this was over unacceptable behaviour at the workplace, a sexual assault case at the ministry was filed at the police on July 9.