Maldives Police Service, on Sunday, arrested a 40-year-old Maldivian man over the sexual assault of a minor.
According to the authorities, the sexual abuse case was reported to the North Central Police Division, which holds jurisdiction over Kaafu Atoll, Alif Alif Atoll, Alif Dhaalu Atoll and Vaavu Atoll on December 17.
Due to the sensitivity of the case, as it involves a minor, police did not disclose any further details but assured that an investigation was underway.
Since the beginning of the year, public ire has grown considerably over the government's poor record of arresting and convicting sexual offenders, despite numerous pledges made to “protect the rights of children and women".
Protesters demanding justice for rape and sexual assault victims held demonstrations during June and July in front of Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services as well as the roads of capital Male', following an upsurge of reported cases and alleged misconduct of police during investigations.