MDA condemns abuse, urges stronger child protection

Being a minor is not an excuse to escape accountability for serious crimes, the Maldives Development Alliance (MDA) said Saturday, urging authorities to enforce laws that clearly outline how violent offenses committed by children should be handled.  

The Ministry of Family and Social Development has launched an investigation into a case involving a 10-year-old boy who was allegedly detained and forced to smoke cigarettes by older children in an island in central Maldives.  

In a statement, the MDA strongly condemned the incidents reported over the weekend, noting that children under the custody of the Gender Ministry were involved. The party called on all state institutions to take urgent action against such dangerous behavior.  

According to the MDA, the 10-year-old was attacked by two 17-year-olds while heading to the mosque for dusk prayers. The attackers allegedly tried to force the child to smoke, burned him with a cigarette, and threatened him with death if he spoke out.  

The party expressed concern that the child has been psychologically traumatized and is now too afraid to speak.  

The MDA also cited a second incident reported the following morning, in which one of the boys involved in Saturday’s attack allegedly grabbed another student by the neck inside a classroom. The second victim was reportedly the boy who had accompanied the first victim to prayers.  

“These are serious and violent acts,” the MDA said, “and all those responsible must be held accountable.” The party emphasized that such cases reflect deep failures in the care, monitoring, and reintegration of children under state custody.  

Calling on the Gender Ministry to take responsibility and strengthen child protection systems, the MDA said it is the legal and moral duty of the state to ensure children in its care are not neglected, and do not pose a danger to others.  

The party also urged the Maldives Police Service to investigate both incidents promptly and take legal action.  

“We assure the victims and their families that the party stands with them during this difficult time,” the statement read. “We call on the government to provide immediate psychological support and take strong measures to prevent such incidents from recurring.”  

An official from the Ministry of Family and Social Development told Sun that the case had been reported before it surfaced on social media. The ministry said it is being investigated in collaboration with relevant authorities and that child safety will be given top priority.  

While rare, older children bullying younger peers remains a concerning social issue in the Maldives, occasionally surfacing in schools or when unaccompanied by adults. Such cases are investigated and psychological assistance is provided to those affected.