Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) has urged the public and media not to circulate photographs or personal information of victims in an alleged sexual assault case involving a woman and two minors on a southern island.

The commission warned that publishing details that could identify the victims may further harm them and undermine their dignity.

HRCM also called for an immediate investigation into the case and for those responsible to be prosecuted.

Police have deployed a special team to the island to investigate the allegations. Nine men have been arrested in connection with the case, police said.

A 22-year-old woman was reportedly injured in the incident. The case involves allegations of sexual assault against the woman by multiple individuals, as well as alleged sexual abuse and exploitation of two minors under the age of 18.

Police said they had identified several allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation involving minors and were treating the case as serious.