The hearings in the seven counts of sex crimes against the former Tourism Minister, Ali Waheed, has been set to begin on Sunday.

Criminal Court set the first hearing in the trial or 1:30 p.m on Sunday.

Ali Waheed was removed from office as the Tourism Minister in July 2020 with allegations of sexual harassment and sexual abuse after employees of the Tourism Ministry met with the President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services, Aishah Mhamed Didi and brought the issue to their attention.

The Prosecutor General’s Office filed suit with the Criminal Court in November 2020 to indict the former Tourism Minister of seven counts of sexual harassment and sexual abuse during his tenure.

The former Tourism Minister is facing charges of:

  • Sexual Assault under Article 16 of Sex Crimes Act
  • Sexual Assault under Article 18 of Sex Crimes Act
  • Attempted Sexual Assault under Article 19 of Sex Crimes Act
  • Rape under Article 15 of Sex Crimes Act
  • Indecent exposure Article 132 of the Penal Code
  • Unlawful sexual conduct under Article 412 of the Penal Code

While statements have been taken from 15 individuals, his phone, laptop and passport has been seized by the authorities.

Ali Waheed was summoned to the Police Station on 19 July 2020 for his statement. Talking to the press after leaving the police station, the former Tourism Minister said that if the investigation is carried out justly, it will prove his innocence. He said that the allegations against him are politically motivated.