Maldives Police Service, on Sunday, revealed that a 49-year-old male was arrested over the alleged sexual abuse of a female minor, aged under 15.
According to the police, the alleged perpetrator serves in a position of authority, and was arrested under a court order on Saturday.
The case was reported on October 23, to the Central Police Division, the jurisdiction of which falls upon the atolls of Meemu, Faafu and Dhaalu.
Amid multiple reports of child sexual abuse cases 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.
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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