Maldives Police Service, on Sunday, revealed that authorities were investigating the sexual abuse of a minor in reclaimed suburb Hulhumale'.
According to police, the sexual abuse case concerning two perpetrators and a male under the age of 18, was reported around 1600hrs on October 3.
Although authorities assured that the investigation was ongoing, police have yet to arrest any suspects regarding the case.
Local media Mihaaru reported that a local actor and his wife are alleged to be the perpetrators behind the incident.
Protesters calling for their arrest raised their voices in Hulhumale' and gathered around the actor's house this evening. Media reports state that the actor and his wife were taken to the station in a police vehicle during the protests.
However, police maintained that the two individuals taken under police custody from the scene were driven to the station because they "requested for protection".
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.
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.
Recently, a collective of gender equality advocates originating from Family Legal Clinic (FLC), Nufoshey and Uthema Maldives also launched the #FundOurSafety initiative, voicing demands to reallocate state funds for the protection of victims.
Meanwhile, the police have urged 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.
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