PG Office says ex-minster’s passport release order “unlawful”; to pursue action

The Prosecutor General's Office (PG Office) has revealed on Thursday that Former Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed's travel to the United Kingdom was facilitated through illegitimate means, and that the PGO is now pursuing action by bringing the matter to the attention of relevant authoritites.

In a press release issued on Thursday, PG Office revealed that the Criminal Court's decision to return former Minister Waheed's passport to him on 9 February was unlawful. The statement further detailed that the hearing had concluded past 4pm on Tuesday, and that no opportunity had been thus given to appeal the decision before Ali Waheed had departed to the United Kingdom that night.

The PG Office went on to affirm that they would be pursuing legal action against the guarantor responsible for Ali Waheed's travel abroad, State Minsiter for Youth and Sports Assad Ali (Adubarey) should Ali Waheed fail to return to the Maldives within the next four months as under the Court order. Assad Ali is a close known associate of Ali Waheed.

The PG Office further maintained that the document releasing Ali Waheed's passport, and the one assigning Assad Ali as his responsible guarantor, have yet to be shared with the government.

The press statement by PG Office further details the proceedings of Waheed's hearing held on Tuesday. Orthopedician Dr. Shan Ahmed had been the one to assess Ali Waheed's medical condition and refer him abroad for a surgery, that by all accounts, can be performed in the Maldives. Dr. Shan went on say that Ali Waheed had a "serious condition of the spinal disc" and that he would not recommend surgery in the Maldives even if it was available, citing a lack of suitable equipment and "potential of fatality".

When prompted by the court, the representative for the state said that the Maldivian govewrnment would not deny any citizen their right to healthcare. and stated that the government had no issues with Ali Waheed traveling abroad if it were for medical purposes. However, the state expressed that it would be ideal if Ali Waheed's passport was not released, and that he be allowed to leave Maldives under the responsibility of a guarantor.

The press by the PG Office further describes statements from the state representatives at Ali Waheed's hearing, who noted that the Constitution of the Maldives described the rights of those who were facing serious charges in court, and that Ali Waheed would not need his passport to seek medical care abroad. The state went on to declare that there were many who had been affected by the crimes Ali Waheed is suspected of committing, and that it would be unfair for the court to disregard their experiences in ensuring Ali Waheed privileges such as acquiring healthcare from abroad.

The state also noted that Ali Waheed had previously fled the country while under trial, and that he had attempted to destroy evidence pertaining to the case against him at the time, and that therefore, it would be legitimate to consider him a serious flight-risk. The state highlighted that there was a very real chance Ali Waheed would flee to a foreign country to avoid prosecution, especially in light of the sensitive nature of the allegations raised against him, given the opportunity.

Waheed was removed from his position as the Minister of Tourism on 9 July 2020 after multiple employees came forward with allegations of sexual harassment by meeting the President and brought it to his attention.

The PG Office raised seven charges against Ali Waheed in November.