Police have informed Maldives Correctional Services (MCS), that former Minister of State for Youth, Sports and Community Empowerment Ashad Ali is not currently in the Maldives.
Ashad Ali (Adubarey) had vouched for Former Minister of Tourism who is accused of sexual harassment and rape.
Ashad, one of Ali Waheed's closest friends, was sentenced to 15 days in prison by the Criminal Court on the 2nd of this month for contempt of court. Ashad was sentenced in absentia as he had left the Maldives before his hearing. Therefore, the Correctional Service requested the police to summon him to serve his sentence.
A police media official said that Ashad was not present in the Maldives when he was summoned. This has now been communicated to the Correctional Service.
The police are also working to search for Ashad after the Correctional Service requested further assistance.
Correctional Services have raised questions about the possibility of bringing Ashad back to Maldives who is rumored to have left for the UK.
He was sentenced to prison after Ali Waheed did not appear for his trial. Authorities have opted to use all the court orders issued to summon Ali Waheed, in order to hasten the efforts to bring Ashad back into the country. Ali Waheed has been sentenced to prison from both the Supreme Court and recently from the Criminal Court. However, the Maldivian police have yet to find any way to administer the law to him.
Ashad who is said to have facilitated Ali Waheed leaving the country citing medical treatments had also been summoned to court prior to his departure. However, no orders were issued restraining him from leaving the country. Hence, state authorities have been accused of being aware of the departure of both men.
Ashad was sentenced to prison for failing to provide proof of his efforts to bring Ali Waheed. Judge Hassan Saeed said failing to bring Ali Waheed to the Maldives within 72 hours breaches a court order and constitutes contempt of court .
Judge Hassan said that the state's appeal against Ali Waheed was not pursued due to his failure to return to the Maldives. Ashad's negligence is also involved in this matter. Ali Waheed is believed to have not arrived in the Maldives with the assistance of Ashad.
While Ashad has also left the country without serving his sentence, state authorities have yet to find a way to bring bak Ali Waheed.
A court order can be issued if there is a bilateral agreement to transfer criminals or suspects under the Extradition Act. Legal experts have stated that Ali Waheed will not be brought in through a summons due to the lack of such an agreement with the UK, where Ali Waheed currently resides.
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