One of nine men arrested in connection with a rape and child sexual abuse case on a southern island has been remanded in custody pending trial.
The case, involving the alleged rape of a 22-year-old woman and the sexual abuse of several minors, came to light in mid October.
Nine men have been arrested in connection with the case. They are;
- Mohamed Maisan Shiayz, 21
- Ahmed Ifthisham Zareer, 24
- Najumulla Hassan, 35
- Azim Mufeed, 24
- Ali Huzam Saeed, 31
- Mohamed Solih Ahmed, 26
- Ahmed Nooh Niyaz, 20
- Mohamed Mishal Ahmed Zuhair, 20
- Ahmed Sanij Sodhiq, 32
Mohamed Solih, Mishal, Najumulla and Nooh were initially remanded in custody for five days. When they were produced before the court for further remand decisions, Nooh was remanded in custody pending trial.
Police also remanded Mishal in custody for 30 days and Najumulla for 45 days, while Mohamed Solih and Sanij were given five-day remand periods.
The initial 15-day remand periods for Mishal and Azim have not yet expired. Ifthisham and Huzam were remanded in custody for 90 days.
A special police team has been deployed from Male' to investigate the case.
Police said investigators had identified several instances of alleged sexual abuse and exploitation of minors and were treating the matter as a serious case.
