The Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) has announced the withdrawal of sexual assault and harassment charges against former Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed due to a lack of evidence. The state had initially brought forward seven charges against Ali Waheed, including sexual abuse, attempted rape, indecent exposure, attempted sexual assault, and attempted unauthorized sexual contact.
Ali Waheed left the country on February 21, 2021, seeking urgent medical treatment while on trial for multiple charges, and has since been residing in the United Kingdom (UK). The PGO revealed that the court had returned the case on September 22, 2022, as Ali Waheed was unable to appear before the court. As a result, the PGO instructed the Maldives Police Service (MPS) to file the case and submit it again when Ali Waheed returns to the country.
The decision to withdraw the charges came after the PGO received letters from the victims and witnesses expressing their unwillingness to proceed with the case. The PGO acknowledged the numerous attempts made to bring Ali Waheed back to the country, including seeking the intervention of superior courts to seize his passport following the decision of the Criminal Court to release it. The PGO also raised concerns about the potential influence on the victims and witnesses, as well as the risk of evidence tampering if the case was not promptly prosecuted.
Meetings were conducted with the victims and witnesses, with the PGO emphasizing the significance of their testimonies for the progress of the case. Despite the withdrawal of the charges, the PGO expressed the importance of ensuring justice for victims of sexual assault and harassment and the need to address any potential interference or tampering with evidence in such cases.