Man charged for rape of 15-year-old girl

The Prosecutor General’s Office announced on Wednesday it has filed charges against a man accused of raping and impregnating a 15-year-old girl who he holds a position of authority over.

Ibrahim Shafiu, 37, from Feeroazge in F. Feeali was arrested under court order on July 2. He is accused of raping his sister-in-law, a 15-year-old girl with autism.

He was presented to F. Nilandhoo Magistrate Court for his remand hearing the next day, during which the court ordered him to be detained pending the outcome of trial, citing that the suspected crime involves the sexual assault and rape of a child victim, and that allowing the suspect free from custody may open room for destruction of evidence and victim intimidation, and expose the community to further danger.

Prosecutor General’s Office announced on Wednesday that he has been charged with “carrying out a sexual act on a child while in a position of authority” under Article 9 of the Special Provisions Act to Deal with Child Sex Offenders.

The charge was filed with the Criminal Court, and carries a sentence of 15 to 18 years in prison if proven.

The victim fell pregnant following the rape, but underwent an abortion to terminate the pregnancy under doctor’s recommendation after she was taken into the custody of the state.

The police have noted an increase in cases of sexual violence against children which involve blackmail and coercion, as well as cases of sexual violence against children which involve grooming through the internet , and have advised parents and guardians to increase their vigilance.

Those with information regarding crimes against children have been urged to call the Maldives Police Service’s Family and Child Protection Wing at 3000600 or the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services hotline 1412.