Charges raised against Maldives ex-tourism minister, incl. attempted rape

Multiple charges have been raised against disgraced former tourism minister Ali Waheed, including one count of attempted rape.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih fired Waheed back in July, following sexual abuse allegations.

While the case was filed at the police on July 9, police had revealed that they had obtained testimonies from 15 individuals during investigation.

The case was forwarded for prosecution on October 7, and the charges were forwarded to the Criminal Court on November 18.

President Solih, during an interview on RaajjeTV’s morning show this Republic Day, stood by his decision to fire Waheed, saying that “even Ali Waheed will believe that it was the right decision”.

The Prosecutor General’s Office has raised a total of seven charges against the former minister; one count of sexual abuse, one count of attempted rape, one count of indecent exposure, one count of sexual harassment, one count of attempted sexual harassment and two counts of solicitation of sexual favors.

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.”