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Police arrest two over sexual abuse of minor in Hulhumale'

Mariyam Malsa
05 October 2020, MVT 16:47
During the 'JaagaEhNeiy' protest held on July 12, 2020 against the impunity of perpetrators of sexual violence. PHOTO: AHMED AWSHAN ILYWAS / MIHAARU
Mariyam Malsa
05 October 2020, MVT 16:47

Maldives Police Service, on Sunday, arrested two individuals over the sexual abuse of a minor, that allegedly took place in the reclaimed suburb of Hulhumale'.

According to the police, a 29-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman were apprehended Sunday night and are presently remanded for seven days while the investigation continues.

The police disclosed that the sexual abuse case concerning two perpetrators and a male under the age of 18, was reported around 1600hrs on October 3.

Local media Mihaaru has since named a local actor and his wife as the alleged perpetrators behind the incident.

On Saturday evening, protesters calling for their arrest gathered around the actor's house in Hulhumale'. Numerous media reported witnessing the actor and his wife being taken to the station in a police vehicle, amid the protest.

However, police have maintained that the two individuals taken under police custody from the scene were driven to the station in response to a "request for protection".

Mihaaru News later reported that a family member, related to the actor's wife, confirmed that both individuals were arrested around midnight on Sunday night and that the woman was taken to Dhoonidhoo jail while the man remains in Male' prison.

Meanwhile, 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.

The police have continually urged public 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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