The US government has expressed concern over the withdrawal of human trafficking charges raised against Milandhoo MP Ali Riza in connection with the treatment of migrant workers brought to develop a resort on Baa Bodufinolhu.
The Maldives remained on Tier 2 in this year's "Trafficking in Persons Report" by the US State Department, which categorizes countries based on efforts to eliminate human trafficking. Among the reasons for the category remaining unchanged from last year included the prosecution of human trafficking suspects.
Countries are categorized on Tier 2 if they are making significant efforts despite failing to meet the standards specified in a US law passed in 2000 for protecting victims of human trafficking. Countries with worse situations are on the Tier 2 Watchlist. The Maldives was previously in that category. The Maldives was changed to Tier 2 in 2017.
Highlighting problems in prosecuting human trafficking in the Maldives, one case noted under a separate heading was the Prosecutor General's office dropping charges against Riza.
"The Prosecutor General’s Office (PGO) dismissed human trafficking charges filed in the previous reporting period against a ruling parliamentarian, who was the managing director of a construction company contracted to develop a resort, alleging non-payment of salaries and intimidation, as well as exploitation of two labor trafficking victims among 200 migrant workers at a resort construction site," the State Department report stated.
PG office media official and public prosecutor Ahmed Shafeeu told Adhadhu that the charges raised against Riza were withdrawn after a review because they could not be proven.
"Witnesses [foreigners] who gave statements in the case are not in the country now," Shafeeu said.
After Riza's case, the report noted the failure to prosecute a police officer who was said to have been arrested during the same period for alleged sex trafficking.
The US report also noted that no action was reported against a senior official of the former government (Ashmalee) who was arrested in Sri Lanka over alleged involvement in a child sex trafficking ring. He is presently in the Maldives.
