PG charges couple with multiple counts of child sexual abuse

The Prosecutor General's Office, on Monday, sent criminal charges against two individuals over the sexual abuse of a minor, to the Magistrate Court of Hulhumale'.

The Criminal Court initially remanded the couple, who have been named as an actor and his wife by local media, after they were arrested over allegations of sexually abusing an underage male in reclaimed suburb Hulhumale', till the end of their trail.

The sexual abuse case was first reported to the authorities on October 3, and the suspects were arrested two days later on October 5.

While the man faces a total of nine charges pressed against him, his wife faces five.

Charges levied against the man

1. A person of authority exposing a minor to sexual acts: 15-18 year jail term

2. A person of authority exposing a minor to sexual acts: 15-18 year jail term

3. A person of authority forcing a minor to conduct sexual acts: 15-18 year jail term

4. A person of authority forcing a minor to conduct sexual acts: 15-18 year jail term

5, Performing incestual sexual acts: 15-18 year jail term

6. A person of authority performing sexual acts in the presence of a minor: 15-18 year jail term

7. A person of authority performing sexual acts in the presence of a minor: 15-18 year jail term

8. Possession of pornographic material: One and a half year jail term

9. Creation of pornographic material: One and a half year jail term

Charges levied against the woman

1. A person of authority forcing a minor to conduct sexual acts: 15-18 year jail term

2. A person of authority performing sexual acts in the presence of a minor: 15-18 year jail term

3. A person of authority performing sexual acts in the presence of a minor: 15-18 year jail term

4. Possession of pornographic material: One and a half year jail term

5. Creation of pornographic material: One and a half year jail term

Amidst multiple reports of child sexual abuse, grooming and rape this year, public ire continues to soar over the government's meagre record of arresting and convicting perpetrators of sexual offences despite several promises to support the rights of children and women.

Meanwhile, the police have continually urged the public to report all such cases to the police's Family and Child Protection Wing at +960 3000600 or the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services at 1412.