PGO Withdraws Sexual Assault Charges Against Ali Waheed

MV+ News Desk | June 15, 2023

The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) has announced the withdrawal of sexual assault and harassment charges against Ali Waheed, the former Minister of Tourism, citing a lack of evidence. Initially, the state had brought forward seven charges against 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 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.

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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 emphasized 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.

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