Man arrested for sexual abuse of two young girls

The police have arrested a suspect in the sexual abuse of two young girls in southern Maldives.

According to a police spokesperson, the sexual abuse of the two young girls, aged 7 and 11, was reported to the South Police (comprising of GA. Atoll, GDh. Atoll, Fuvahmulah City and Addu City) on November 4.

A 56-year-old Maldivian male was arrested under a court warrant on Tuesday night, said the spokesperson.

According to the police, the suspect in the case has a position of authority over his victims.

Crimes against children are treated by the police as serious offenses. The law enforcement agency does not disclose the island where such crimes take place in order to protect the identity of victims.

Special Provisions Act to Deal with Child Sex Offenders, which declares special provisions to deal with child sex offenders both at investigative and trial stages, prescribes a prison sentence of 15 to 18 years, if the person who carried out the offense holds a position of authority over the victim.

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