The British government has apologized for the arbitrary arrest of former Tourism Minister Ali Waheed while he was in the UK.
Ali Waheed left the Maldives for the UK following sexual harassment allegations by some of the staff at the Tourism Ministry.
He left for medical treatment on February 10, 2021, and returned to Maldives in July this year.
While in the UK, he was arrested and detained for allegedly violating the country's immigration laws.
In a press release today, Ali Waheed's lawyers said they had been working with a UK law firm to protect all his legal rights and interests to the highest extent permitted by the laws of both countries.
The statement also said that the UK authorities had agreed that the arrest was unlawful after the team of lawyers consulted ahead of court proceedings.
It added that the UK government had apologized for his unlawful arrest and awarded him £20,000 in compensation.
Along with the statement, Ali posted on X today that right will prevail even if it takes time.
Ali Waheed was charged with sexual assault, sexual abuse, attempted sexual abuse, attempted rape, indecent exposure and soliciting unlawful sexual contact.
But charges were withdrawn after the victims and witnesses who gave statements wrote letters to both the PG office and the police saying they no longer wished to proceed with the case.
