MNDF officer arrested for rape and blackmail of 14-year old

An MNDF officer has been arrested for rape and blackmail of a 14-year old.

Police stated that the man of 36-years was arrested around 18:30 last night and Police spokesperson Izmia Zahir confirmed today that the man was an MNDF personnel.

MNDF media officer Maj. Ibrahim Azim also confirmed yesterday that an MNDF officer was taken into the custody of Police regarding a case under investigation. It is now confirmed that the case is the rape and blackmail of a 14-year old girl.

The number of rape and child abuse cases in the Maldives has seen a significant increase after a case of a toddler allegedly abused by elderly members of the family in G.A Kanduhulhudhoo came to light on January 15, 2020.

Soon after this, MP for Addu Meedhoo, Rozaina Adam expressed concern in a meeting of the Human Rights and Gender Committee of the Parliament last Friday that two MNDF personnel remained free after being accused of raping a 15-year old.