Ex-Tourism Minister pressed with 7 charges, including attempted rape

Former Maldivian Tourism Minister Ali Waheed has been pressed with seven charges, including attempted rape.

The Prosecutor General’s Office announced on Saturday that the office filed the charges against Ali Waheed with the Criminal Court on Wednesday, November 18.

THE CHARGES:

• Inflicting a sexual injury under Article 16 of Sexual Offenses Act
• Attempted rape under Article 15 of Sexual Offenses Act
• Indecent exposure under Section 132 of the Penal Code
• Sexual assault under Article 18 of Sexual Offenses Act
• Attempt to cause sexual assault under Article 19 of Sexual Offenses Act
• Two counts of unlawful sexual contact under Section 412 and Section 81 of the Penal Code

Ali Waheed was dismissed as Tourism Minister on July 9, after allegations that he sexually assaulted and harassed multiple female employees at the Tourism Ministry was brought to the attention of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He was initially asked to voluntarily resign, but was dismissed after he refused.

Ali Waheed has had a travel ban against him in connection to the case since July 12.

The President said in a recent interview to the press that he believes Ali Waheed’s dismissal had been the right decision, and that it had also been necessary.

He also said he made the decision after consulting with Qasim Ibrahim, the leader of Jumhoory Party (JP) – the government coalition partner Ali Waheed was a member of.

Speaking to press after giving his statement to the police, Ali Waheed professed his innocence and said that he was being framed.

Ali Waheed said he believes the case against him to be influenced by politicians, and that a fair and independent investigation will prove his innocence as well as the reason why he was being framed.