Maldives Police Service has decided to hold a press conference to share information on the Safari Rape case and the sexual abuse allegations against the former Tourism Minister, Ali Waheed.

The media invitation by the police said that the press conference will be taking place at Iskandharu Building at 1 p.m. today. However, this would be a virtual press conference.

According to the police, the information will be shared by the Deputy Commissioner, Abdul Mannaan Yoosuf, the Chief Superintended, Mohamed Basheer and the Chief Inspector, Mariyam Azma.

Two people were arrested following the rape of a foreign woman on early hours of 25 June 2020 before being released by the police. The victim’s statement to the police said that the men were drunk.

Talking to the Human Rights Committee of the Parliament, Deputy Commissioner Mannaan said that it was not a rape case but of sexual abuse by touching a sexual organ and they do not believe the suspects were under the influence.

Regarding the release of the suspects, the Head Chief Superintendent of Hulhumale’ Police, Mohamed Rasheed told the Human Rights Committee of the Parliament that officers followed the same procedure as every other case. And so, the suspects in the case were released because there was no reason to keep them in custody based on the evidence available.

Following the incident, police had gone on the safari yacht in question and interviewed staff including the captain and the person who brought on the foreign woman and distributed alcohol.

Regarding the sexual abuse allegations against the former Tourism Minister, Ali Waheed, the only police comment on the case is that an investigation is underway following allegations of sexual abuse of tourism ministry staff by then Minister, Ali Waheed.

However, police have conducted a search of his residence and confiscated his phone and laptop. Police have also suspended his travels with a court order.