Majlis committee expresses concern over reports blaming 13-yo murder victim

Members of the parliament’s committee on human rights and gender have shared concerns over reports blaming a 13-year-old kidnapping victim who was found dead.

The committee held an emergency meeting over the issue on Tuesday, where they highlighted that some media reports are blaming the victim adding that outlets doing so must be identified.

Speaking in regards to this, committee Chair and Hinnavaru constituency MP Jeehaan Mahmood proposed to bring the issue to the parliament’s committee on independent institutions’ attention as done in such cases in the past.

Further, the committee is conducting an inquiry on how the crime took place including whether the child was provided legal protection and any measures that have been taken.

The committee is to proceed after obtaining all these required details in writing.

While relevant institutions are to be given a deadline to send in these documents, the committee plans to summon officials for questioning as well.

The committee is to meet on Saturday, to go over the progress in the inquiry.

Police early Tuesday morning revealed that the 13-year-old was found dead in the capital’s suburban district Hulhumale’, a day after an abduction report was filed. He is to have been found stuffed inside a suitcase.

Authorities have decided to send the boy’s body abroad for a post-mortem examination.

Police have confirmed the arrest of two suspects in relation to the abduction and murder; a 17-year-old and 27-year-old.

It assured that this “heinous crime is being investigated with utmost diligence”.