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Man arrested over sexually abusing 17-year-old stepdaughter

Fathmath Shaahunaz
25 February 2020, MVT 13:06
A child holds up a hand, with 'STOP' scrawled on their palm, to illustrate the topic of cruelty against children. PHOTO/FREEPIK
Fathmath Shaahunaz
25 February 2020, MVT 13:06

Maldives Police Service on Tuesday arrested a man over the sexual abuse of his 17-year-old stepdaughter.

Police revealed that they received reports of the crime at 2120 hours on Monday, from an island in the North Central Police Division which comprises the atolls of Kaafu, Alif Alif, Alif Dhaalu, and Vaavu.

The 32-year-old suspect was taken into police custody under a warrant around 0950 hours on Tuesday morning.

Police did not reveal further details in order to protect the identity of the minor. They assured that the investigation was currently underway.

There has been numerous cases of child sexual abuse reported to the authorities since mid-January, following the shocking case of a two-year-old toddler who was repeatedly sexually abused by her paternal grandfather and great-grandfather in Kanduhulhudhoo, Gaafu Alif Atoll.

The latest case was reported after the new Child Rights Protection Act came into effect on February 20. The Act, which strongly prohibits inhumane actions against children and outlines the duties of the state, community and parents to protect children's rights, also criminalises knowingly covering up child abuse with a minimum 2-year jail sentence.

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