Prosecutor General's Office revealed Sunday that they were pressing charges against a man over committing a sexual offence against a child.
According to the PG Office, the suspect is a man named Mohamed Ali from Nolhivaranfaru, Haa Dhaalu Atoll.
He is indicted under Subject 3 (a) and (c) of the 'Special Provisions to Deal with Child Sex Abuse Offenders', which states that it is "an offence to intentionally touch a child’s body with a sexual intent".
As per this law, touching the genitals or other sexual parts of a child, including a part of the body that could provide sexual stimulation, all constitute an offence.
Perpetrators found guilty of the crime face 10-14 years of imprisonment.
PG Office stated that the case against Mohamed Ali has been forwarded to the Criminal Court.
According to local media, Mohamed Ali is a Sergeant at Maldives National Defence Force (MNDf), who is reportedly under suspension. A football referee in the First Division, Ali was previously arrested in this case.
Last month, a case involving two MNDF officers allegedly raping a minor also came to light. However, at the time, MNDF stated that they did not receive reports of such a crime.
Later, an MNDF officer was arrested over sexually assaulting and raping a 14-year-old girl. Some local media claim Mohamed Ali is the same man who is charged, but authorities have yet to confirm or deny.
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