Crime Rape

Court remands 37-yr-old accused of raping minor until trial end

Maldives Police Service disclosed that a Maldivian man, who was arrested on July 2 over raping and impregnating a minor, has been remanded until the end of his trial.

Police stated that Nilandhoo Magistrate Court, on Friday, ordered to detain Ibrahim Shafiu, aged 37, of Feeali, Faafu Atoll in a custodial or remand jail until a verdict is reach in his trial, as there was “danger of the accused absconding or not appearing at trial, the protection of the public, or potential interference with witnesses or evidence dictate otherwise”.

Police assured that the investigation was underway and they were working to forward the case to the Prosecutor General’s Office for indictment.

According to the police, the victim is a child with special needs.

Local media Mihaaru reported that the suspect is married to a relative of the victim.

Police had earlier revealed that the crime occurred within the jurisdiction of the Central Police Division, consisting the atolls of Kaafu, Alif Alif, Alif Dhaalu and Vaavu. The case was reported to the police by the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services.

In order to protect the identity of the minor, authorities have not revealed the island and atoll in which the crimes had occurred.

The case is one among a number of child sexual abuse cases that recently surfaced in the country, including another case of rape and impregnation.

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.

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 declare rape and sexual offences as serious criminal offences and reallocate state funds for the protection of victims.

Meanwhile, the police have warned over increasing incidents of child abuse and exploitation, including those with disabilities and special needs, urging parents and guardians to be aware and report any 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.

Full details are available at the link below:

 

Source URL: Google News

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