Trial started over post claiming child was 'for sale': President

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced last night that advertising the sale of a minor on TikTok is a criminal offense, and the trial for the case has begun with the first hearing having concluded.

During a community meeting in Hulhumale' Phase 1 last night, the mother of a child said the individual who advertised her child for trafficking on TikTok remains at large. She expressed concern over the slow progress of the case.

The mother also criticized authorities for what she described as a double standard, noting that when a similar case involved the President’s child, it was handled swiftly, whereas her case has not received the same urgency.

While addressing the concerns, President Muizzu said that he requested details regarding the released individual upon seeing it via media.

As per the President, even though the individual was released, he had been detained, with the police having conducted an investigation. President Muizzu said that it has come to his attention that the individual has been criminally charged regarding the case.

The President went on to say that the case's first hearing has also been held in court.

"Upon seeing that he was released via media, I sought details regarding the investigation. Even though he was released at the time, he has since been detained, with an investigation having moved forward and with him being criminally charged. The case's first hearing has also been held in court," said President Muizzu.

President Muizzu said that although the individual in question was initially released, he had been detained and investigated by police. The President confirmed that the person has now been criminally charged and that the case’s first hearing has already taken place in court.

“After seeing reports of his release in the media, I sought details on the investigation. While he was released at the time, he has since been detained, charged, and the first hearing has been held,” President Muizzu said.

President Muizzu said that the government will prioritizes cases of verbal abuse and other forms of harm against children. He added that he and First Lady Sajidha are committed to treating all children equally and without discrimination.

He went on to say that there has been no negligence on the government's part regarding the case.

"The case is currently in court. I would like to make that clear. I do not discriminate against children, whether it is my child or someone else's child. Neither does my wife. I am stating this as there may be unknown details surrounding such matters, which may create confusion even emotionally," said President Muizzu.

In August, police said they were investigating a report concerning actions that violated a child’s safety, including an individual who reportedly shared images of a 13 year old girl on TikTok live while speaking abusively about her.

At the time, the police said that the accused was brought into custody, with them having been released later on. However, the individual's phone was taken into custody for investigation purposes.

The individual reportedly stated on TikTok that he intended to “sell” the child and shared her picture online. Authorities say the act was motivated by personal disputes with the child’s mother. Last night, the mother called for a thorough investigation, citing concerns that the individual had also made posts on social media advocating sexual abuse against other children.

Along with reporting it to the police, the mother of the child has reported the case to the Ministry of Social and Family Development.