The Criminal Court will begin the trial on the seven charges raised against former Tourism Minister, Ali Waheed next week. The first hearing is scheduled for 1:30 pm on Sunday.
Seven charges were raised against the former minister by the Prosector General’s Office regarding acts of sexual harassment that are said to have been committed by the minister during his time in office.
The charges raised against Ali Waheed include inflicting sexual injury under Article 16 of Sexual Offences Act, attempted rape under Article 15 of the same act, indecent exposure under Section 132 of the Penal Code, sexual assault under Article 18 of the Sexual Offences Act, attempt to cause sexual assault under Article 19 of the Sexual Offences Act, and two counts of unlawful sexual conduct under section 412 and 81 of the Penal Code.
Employees who worked under the former minister at the Tourism Ministry have accused the minister of sexual harassment. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih dismissed him from the post earlier in July after the matter was brought to his attention by the victims, and after the minister refused to resign when he was asked to step down from his post. Since then, Ali Waheed’s home was searched, and a travel ban was imposed against him. He was summoned to the police headquarters for questioning on July 19.
Speaking to the press after being questioned by the police, Ali Waheed claimed that he was being framed for political motives, and asserted his innocence.
