Cannot hold culprits accountable as they’re not 15 yet: Minister

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has revealed that the culprits involved in the child assault case in Rasdhoo island of Alif Alif atoll cannot be held accountable for their actions under the current law, as they are not 15 yet.

Speaking at a press conference held on Saturday, Minister Ihusaan revealed that the culprits in the case are aged 13 and 14 respectively.

The minister added that an investigation is presently underway, and that the accused are being questioned.

Highlighting that Section 27 of the Juvenile Justice Act clarifies that the age at which a person can be held responsible for an offence is 15, Minister Ihusaan stressed that with the current law in place, there is no way to hold the children who committed the crime of assaulting a child, accountable.

Going on to note that 12-year-olds and 13-year-olds are also involved in such criminal activities, the minister stated that this issue can only be solved by amending the laws in place.

Ihusaan added that it is not clear from the law so far, that the court can pass orders in such cases either.

He stated that the government intends to bring the required changes to the law, within the next month.

Noting that except for the detention facility in Kudahuvadhoo island of Dhaal atoll which is mandated by the Juvenile Justice Act, no other place has been established so far, Ihusaan stressed that even the facility that has been completed is not in a condition to provide services.

The minister stated that since it has become necessary to begin the service, the halfway house in Hoarafushi island of Haa Alif atoll will be used as a Juvenile Justice Detention Center.

This will be done within this week, according to the minister.

Ihusaan noted that the government intends to allocate an island to set up such facilities.

On Saturday, Ihusaan revealed that Maldives Police Service (MPS) is making the necessary efforts required by law, regarding the case.

A video that began circulating on social media platforms on Friday took the country by storm, after the case of a child being assaulted inside the washroom area of a mosque, made the spotlight.

The video shows a cornered child being threatened and assaulted by two other minors who appear to be just a few years older than him.

A third is behind the camera, however, their identity remains unclear.

The child is heard crying and begging them to stop, as they continuously punch him on the face, kick him in his privates and snatch the water bottle he is seen holding before pouring it over his head. He is then made to kneel and “beg” them to stop the abuse and humiliation.

Infuriated members of the public have since flooded social media with posts calling for strict action against the perpetrators.

The case was brought to the attention of the police institution, and it has since been revealed that the case is being investigated as a “serious” issue.

Minister Ihusaan revealed that authorities are trying to bring the perpetrators to justice, as soon as possible.

He also assured the public that strict action will be taken against those who indulge in such inhumane activities within the society.

The minister added that authorities have identified the 13-year-old and 14-year-old boys seen threatening, assaulting, humiliating and bullying the child.

MPS is currently doing everything legally required in connection with the case.

Since the disturbing scenes in the video are difficult to watch and also violate the dignity of the victim, MPS has urged the general public to refrain from sharing and circulating the video any further.

The police institution has also confirmed that they are coordinating with the relevant authorities, to provide the required psychosocial support for the victim.

A special team of relevant authorities is currently active on the island. The team comprises of officials from MPS, the Ministry of Social and Family Development as well as the Department of Juvenile Justice.

The case has also been submitted to the Human Rights and Gender Committee of the People’s Majlis. The case was lodged by Chairperson of the committee, MP for Hinnavaru constituency Jeehan Mahmood.

Speaking to RaajjeMV, MP Jeehan said the committee will convene for a meeting on the day parliament resumes, at the earliest.

With the government holidays and Eid-Al-Fitr holidays ongoing, the next sitting of the People’s Majlis will be held after Eid.

MP Jeehan noted that even though Majlis sittings are paused for the holidays, the relevant documents will be exchanged and that the committee has decided to look into three main issues. As such, the committee will be probing if the victim is being provided the necessary psychosocial support by relevant authorities, as well as ensuring his protection and providing all the required assistance and support to him.

Further, the committee stated that since the perpetrators of the crime in the case were minors, it was necessary to understand the rules and procedures followed by the state in this regard.

Since the case involves children, the committee will be seeking if other stakeholders responsible including parents, are being held accountable, and what is being done to serve justice as mandated by the Juvenile Justice Act.

The committee will also look into the government’s efforts to ensure such cases do not recur, and assess if they are implementing these efforts adequately.

This case has swept a wave of fury and grief among communities across the nation, with several taking to social media platforms calling for strict action and justice. Noting that such cases leave the victims cowering in a pit of trauma, the public has been stressing that such abuse and trauma have a massive impact on the mental health of children.

Several other such cases of impunity have been brought into the spotlight in the past, and there have been rising concerns over the lack of justice.