Ruling party parliamentarians on Wednesday called for the resignation of Minister of Gender, Family and Social Services Shidhatha Shareef during the emergency debate filed by Galolhu Dhekunu MP Mickail Naseem regarding state inaction over the sexual abuse cases lodged against Ahmed Hishan.
"For the shame of the world, Minister Shidhatha has to resign. If she refuses to, then I sincerely urge the state to dismiss the Gender Minister", said Mickail.
Hishan is also accused of assuming guardianship of a 19-year-old even after the Family Court moved against transferring legal custodianship to him. Lawmaker Mickail noted negligence of the Ministry in protecting the child.
Various allegations have been raised against Hishan on social media including paedophilia and child abuse. Some victims also shared their experiences online, adding that others had given official statements as well.
Recently, Hishan tweeted on multiple occasions that he was receiving threats, and expressed his wish to leave the country due to the warnings and intimidation.
Although Police stated that they were investigating these threats, authorities later revealed that Hishan refused to disclose any details about the threats such as his location at the time, or the perpetrators issuing them.
Hishan was appointed 'Disability Ambassador' on December 2019 by Vice President Faisal Naseem but was later revoked in light of the allegations. The state also awarded him the National Award in the area of social services.
He is hailed by many as a hero for his efforts to improve the quality of life for those requiring financial and medical aid.