Criminal Court has decided to have closed hearings in the trial of the former Tourism Minister, Ali Waheed, charged with sexual harassment and rape.

The first hearing in the trial is set for 1:30 p.m. today at the Criminal Court. All seven charges are being included in the first hearing.

Media Official of the Criminal Court told One Online today that the hearings in the Waheed trial will be held behind closed doors and no members of the public will be allowed inside the court room. However, the events that take place inside the courtroom will later be shared with the media.

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.