Ex-Maldives Tourism Minister wanted for sexual assault arrested in UK
Former Maldives Tourism Minister Ali Waheed was recently arrested in the UK.
Waheed was fired from his post in July 2020 due to accusations of sexually assault.
He was later charged with sexual assault, attempted rape, sexual harassment and indecent exposure.
The charges relate to alleged behaviour with multiple people at the tourism ministry, and Waheed said the charges are ‘politically motivated.’
Earlier this year Waheed was allowed to travel overseas to complete medical treatment and then travelled directly to the UK.
Maldives authorities had attempted to hold an online criminal trial but that was deemed unconstitutional.
That has led to him now being arrested in cooperation with UK law enforcement and Interpol.
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