The Maldives Police Service has not requested an English translation of the bench warrant for former Tourism Minister Ali Waheed, who is facing multiple charges of sexual assault, the Criminal Court has said.
Police had previously claimed that efforts to extradite Ali Waheed, who departed the country after his passport was freed due to a medical emergency, have been delayed pending an English translation of the bench warrant issued on November 28, 2021.
However, the Criminal Court stated the police had not yet sought an English translation of the arrest order.
According to the Criminal Court, the Maldives Police Service has not requested an English order or an English translation of the bench warrant instructing the police to bring Ali Waheed before the Court in their custody.
Ali Waheed was dismissed as tourism minister in July 2020, following allegations of sexual assault by tourism ministry employees.
He is charged with seven counts of sexual offences, including attempted rape, sexual indecent exposure, sexual assault, attempting to commit sexual assault, and unlawful sexual contact.
He had a travel prohibition against him at the time, but on February 9, the Criminal Court temporarily freed his passport and permitted him to fly overseas for medical treatment. He departed for the United Kingdom right away.
