Allegations of Misconduct Against Ali Waheed Surface Again
Leaked statements detailing disturbing allegations against former Tourism Minister Ali Waheed have resurfaced, shedding light on a case previously swept under the rug.
The statements, provided to the police for investigation, accuse Waheed of attempting sexual advances towards employees during his tenure as minister, with some alleging instances of coercion and assault.
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The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) announced the withdrawal of sexual assault and harassment charges against Ali Waheed, the former Minister of Tourism, citing a lack of evidence on June 2023. Initially, the state had brought forward seven charges against Waheed, including sexual abuse, attempted rape, indecent exposure, attempted sexual assault, and attempted unauthorised sexual contact.
Ali Waheed left the country on February 21, 2021, seeking urgent medical treatment while on trial for multiple charges and has been residing in the United Kingdom (UK) since then. The PGO revealed that the court returned the case on September 22, 2022, as Waheed was unable to appear before the court. Consequently, the PGO instructed the Maldives Police Service (MPS) to file the case and submit it again upon Waheed’s return to the country.
The decision to withdraw the charges followed the receipt of letters from the victims and witnesses expressing their unwillingness to proceed with the case. The PGO acknowledged the various attempts made to bring Waheed back to the country, including seeking the intervention of superior courts to seize his passport after the Criminal Court’s decision to release it. The PGO also expressed 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.
Multiple meetings were held with the victims and witnesses, during which the PGO stressed the importance of their testimonies for the progress of the case. Despite the withdrawal of the charges, the PGO emphasised the significance of ensuring justice for victims of sexual assault and harassment and the need to address any potential interference or tampering with evidence in similar cases.
Recent leaks of the employees’ statements paint a harrowing picture of systematic abuse and manipulation within the Ministry. Accounts describe a pattern of inappropriate behaviour, including coerced sexual encounters and intimidation tactics. Despite denials from Waheed, corroborating details from multiple sources lend credibility to the allegations.
Efforts to seek justice have been thwarted by political interference and intimidation, with employees facing threats and pressure to retract their statements. The failure of the justice system to address these serious allegations has left victims feeling betrayed and vulnerable.
Calls for accountability and reform echo among those familiar with the case, highlighting the need to prevent such abuses from recurring. The gravity of the allegations demands a thorough investigation and a transparent judicial process to ensure accountability for those responsible.
As the spotlight returns to Waheed and the unresolved allegations against him, the public is urged not to overlook the significance of these revelations. Ignoring the victims’ accounts perpetuates a culture of impunity and fails to address the systemic issues at hand. It is imperative that justice is pursued, not only for the individuals affected but also to uphold the principles of integrity and accountability in governance.
