Monday
23rd Dec 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Correctional services
Corrections to Request Police to Return Ali Waheed to Maldives for Prosecution
Former Tourism Minister Ali Waheed
Corrections Service has stated they will request police to return former Tourism Minister Ali Waheed to Maldives to serve the prison sentence for contempt of court ruled by the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday sentenced Ali Waheed to two months and 12 days for being in contempt of court as he failed to present himself for the hearing to appeal the Criminal Court’s decision to conduct an online hearing.
Ali Waheed is currently in the United Kingdom. The Commissioner of Prisons Ahmed Mohamed Fulhu informed online news Mihaaru that Corrections will request police to bring Ali Waheed into custody. The Commissioner claimed it is the standard procedure when dealing with those outside Corrections’ jurisdiction.
Ali Waheed is facing several charges of sexual misconduct and rape. The state is appealing the Criminal Court’s decision to carry out his trial online.
However, after the High Court dismissed the matter, the state presented the case to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court notified Ali Waheed to return to Maldives to attend the appeal hearing on July 15 and sent a summons chit. Ali Waheed failed to attend court for the hearing on Wednesday. The court considered him to be in contempt of court and has sentenced the former minister to two months and 12 days in prison.
Ali Waheed traveled to the UK for medical treatment after receiving permission from the Criminal Court, assigning the State Minister for Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment Ashadh Ali as guarantor for his return. The former minister failed to return to Maldives upon the expiration of the given duration.