The Criminal Court on Saturday, ordered the detention of a 38-year-old Maldivian man until the end of trial, in connection to the sexual abuse of an 11-year-old at a guesthouse located in the capital city of Male'.
According to the Court, Anees Hilmy of Silsilaage, Baarah, Haa Alif Atoll, was detained indefinitely, in accordance with Article 30 of the Special Provisions Act to Deal with Child Sex Abuse Offenders.
Prosecutor General's Office confirmed the Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed had requested that Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem to file a motion for the suspect to be detained until proceedings conclude.
Anees was initially remanded for a week's period during the first hearing, however, prosecutors then moved to detain him under the Special Provisions Act.
Authorities are yet to confirm how the perpetrator was able to take the minor to a guesthouse amid the city-wide lockdown implemented in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Police revealed that preliminary investigations indicate the child was 'groomed' by the perpetrator.
Reported on June 10, authorities stated that the case is considered a high priority, and further investigations are ongoing.
Following the implementation of lockdown measures, a number of NGOs and advocates working against gender-based violence and child abuse have voiced concern that those “locked-in” with their “abusers” faced increased risks.
The government is yet to act on its pledge to reduce the number of cases and increase the number of arrests and successfully pressed charges against offenders.
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