The government of the United Kingdom (UK) has decided to pay USD25,000 in compensation to former Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed for his wrongful arrest.
Former Minister Ali Waheed was arrested in 2021 after arriving in the UK for allegedly violating immigration laws. In a press statement, Waheed's legal team stated that he was released from custody as a result of their work and that he was detained on baseless charges in violation of UK law. It further stated that the British government has admitted to the wrongful arrest and has decided to award Waheed USD25,000 in compensation.
Former Minister Ali Waheed was arrested in the UK after leaving the Maldives in February 2021, seeking urgent medical treatment while on trial. In June this year, the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) announced the withdrawal of sexual assault and harassment charges against him due to a lack of evidence. The state had initially brought forward several charges against Ali Waheed, including sexual abuse, attempted rape, indecent exposure, and sexual harrassment.