Saturday
20th Apr 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Ali Waheed's lawyers have claimed that he has been framed by the state for the alleged sexual harassment of female staff while in the position of Tourism Minister.
A statement published by Ali Waheed's defense lawyers on the state's charges read that the former minister has been treated poorly during the investigation and court proceedings.
The statement signed by lawyer Abdulla Haseen further read that for the past year and one month, the state has framed and treated Ali Waheed unjustly and poorly.
According to the press release, the former minister was not given the opportunity to defend himself and the allegations were not investigated prior to his termination.
Similarly, there has been no investigation or questioning in relation to the Prosecutor General's Office's (PGO) charges against Ali Waheed. The lawyers speculated that he is being prosecuted for political purposes as the elements for his previous charges remain incomplete.
The lawyers also stated that the PGO is threatening Hassan Saeed, the presiding judge, by lodging a complaint to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
They highlighted that while the suspect of a crime must be made aware of how the crime was committed and who was involved, Ali Waheed is unaware of the dates or places he committed the alleged crimes.
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. There have been several difficulties in conducting court proceedings as the former minister failed to return to the Maldives upon the expiration of the given duration.
The Prosecutor General has appealed the Criminal Court's decision to allow Ali Waheed's trial to be conducted online. However, the appeal hearing has been halted as Ali Waheed has yet to return and is difficult to reach.
The Supreme Court has sentenced Ali Waheed to two months and 12 days for being in contempt of court as he failed to attend the appeal hearing.