Maldives Police Service, on Sunday, revealed that a 36-year-old foreigner was taken into custody over the sexual assault of a minor.
The expatriate suspected of being involved in the case was arrested around 1730hrs of December 6, with a court order.
According to the authorities, the sexual abuse case was reported to the Upper South Police Division, which hola jurisdiction over Gaafu Alif and Gaafu Dhaalu atolls, on December 2.
Due to the sensitivity of the case, as it involves a minor, police did not disclose any further details but assured that an investigation was underway.
Since the beginning of the year, public ire has grown considerably over the government's meagre record of arresting and convicting sexual offenders, despite numerous pledges made to “protect 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.
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