Police refuse to provide update in sexual misconduct probe against ex-minister

Maldives Police Service has refused to provide any updates in the sexual abuse allegations against former Tourism Minister, Ali Waheed.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih fired Waheed back in July, not long after being told to resign. He was fired after failing to follow through with the order.

While the President's Office official had said that he was dismissed due to inappropriate behaviour at the work place, it has been revealed that a number of female employees had accused him of sexual abuse. The case was filed at the police on July 9.

Waheed has denied the allegations, saying that "time will tell the truth" and that the truth "will always prevail". He also claims that the allegations are “politically motivated.”

While RaajjeMV had made multiple attempts to obtain an update in the investigation since Thursday, police’s media officer had said “will respond later” every time.

On Saturday, the official claimed that it cannot be done “during the weekend” and that an update will be provided later.

The last update in the sexual abuse investigation against the former minister was provided in mid-July, with the police revealing that they had obtained testimonies from 15 individuals.

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.