The Prosecutor General's Office says it has decided not to pursue the charges filed against former Tourism Minister Ali Waheed who was accused of sexually harassing his female subordinates.
The State filed charges against Ali Waheed back in 2020 which included inflicting a sexual injury, attempt to rape, and indecent exposure under section 132 of the Penal Code.
Some other charges filed against the former Minister include sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, and two counts of unlawful sexual contact.
Today, the PG Office said that it would not proceed with the charges against Ali Waheed because the victims and witnesses of the crimes have refused to give their testimonies against the defendant.
It said that after the Criminal Court threw out the case against the former Minister, plaintiffs and witnesses in the case have written to the PGO and the Police conveying their refusal to give testimonies in the case.
It further said that the PGO met with the plaintiffs and explained to them that the State cannot proceed without their testimonies.
PGO said the decision not to pursue the case was taken as it would be impossible to get a conviction with testimonies from the plaintiffs and witnesses and that the decision was taken on the 6th of this month.
Ali Waheed traveled to the UK early last year citing medical purposes but has yet to return to the Maldives even though the Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant against him.
