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Police arrest man for grooming, attempted sexual abuse of minor

Fathmath Shaahunaz
06 October 2020, MVT 14:06
Poster of a child holding up his palm with the word 'STOP' written, to illustrate the issues of violence and sexual abuse again children. PHOTO/FREEPIK
Fathmath Shaahunaz
06 October 2020, MVT 14:06

Maldives Police Service on Monday arrested a 35-year-old Maldivian man over allegedly grooming and attempting to sexually abuse a girl under the age of 15.

According to the police, the suspect was arrested under a court warrant, from the South Central Police Division which comprises the atolls of Thaa and Laamu.

The police revealed that they received reports on September 30, that the suspect had groomed the minor across several days, and attempted to have sexual relations with her.

The Criminal Court issued a remand order of 15 days for the suspect, later the same day.

Withholding further details to protect the identity of the victim, the police stated that further investigation was underway.

Amidst multiple reports of child sexual abuse, grooming and rape this year, 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.

In early September, the parliament passed amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code which finally list rape and sexual abuse of minors as major criminal offences.

Amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code were submitted to the parliament amidst demands from advocacy and rights groups to legally consider rape and sexual assault as major offences, after multiple suspects arrested over the sex crimes involving minors were released following the authorities' inability to prosecute them within the remand period allowed for minor criminal offences.

Meanwhile, the police have continually urged the public 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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