Police to forward charges against Ali Waheed, to PGO

Discussions are underway with the Prosecutor General in order to raise charges on former Minister of Tourism, Ali Waheed accused of sexual assault.

Media official at the Maldives Police Service (MPS) told RaajjeMV that a majority of the case has been completed and that currently, discussions are underway with the PG, Hussain Shameem to forward charges against Waheed.

Statements have been collected from 15 individuals, in connection to the case, revealed police.

Earlier, police conducted a search and seizure operation at the former minister’s residence during which his phone and laptop were seized, alongside withholding his passport.

Following police questioning in connection to the case, Waheed told media that the sexual assault allegations against him were “politically motivated”.

He stressed that the truth will be exposed once the investigations are completed and that justice must be served. He had assured that he will fully cooperate in police investigations.

In addition, Waheed noted that he had made a number of contributions to the incumbent administrations and is very saddened by the accusations.

Following the allegations against him, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ordered Waheed to resign and consecutively stripped him from the ministerial post after he failed to forward a resignation letter.

At a time Waheed is accused of sexually assaulting ministry employees during trips to resorts, Waheed is also accused to sexually harassing ruling coalition partner, Jumhooree Party (JP) member and Transport Minister Aishath Nahula. JP council proposed to dismiss Ali Waheed as the party’s leader in July.