Interpol has issued a red notice to arrest former Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed, who has been charged with sexually assaulting and harassing female employees.
Former Minister Ali Waheed left the country on February 21, after citing a need for urgent medical treatment while on trial for seven charges. He was allowed to leave for a four-month period after former State Minister Ashad Ali agreed to be his guarantor, on the condition that he takes responsibility if Waheed fails to return. However, he has been staying in the UK for more than a year.
Maldives Police Service (MPS) said efforts are underway in collaboration with the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) on follow-up related to the issuance of Interpol red notice. In August, the Supreme Court of the Maldives sentenced Ali Waheed to two months and 12 days in prison for contempt of court after he failed to appear at a scheduled court hearing.
The state has raised seven charges against Ali Waheed which include two counts of sexual abuse, one count of attempted rape, one count of indecent exposure, one count of attempted sexual assault, and two counts of attempted unauthorized sexual contact. If found guilty, he will face up to 20 years in prison.