Maldives Police Service, on Friday, arrested a 38-year-old Maldivian man in connection to the sexual abuse of an 11-year-old at a guesthouse located in the capital city of Male'.
According to the police, the victim has now been transferred to a safe environment and efforts to provide additional assistance in collaboration with relevant authorities are underway.
The police assured that the ongoing investigation into the case, reported on June 10, was given a high priority.
Authorities have 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.
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.
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