Police seek Minister Khaleel’s brother over alleged child sexual abuse
The Maldives Police Service has released a photograph and issued a public notice seeking Izyan Abdul Hameed, of Raahi, F. Nilandhoo, in connection with an investigation into the sexual abuse of a minor while in a position of trust. Following the filing of the case, the suspect reportedly fled the country, prompting authorities to order his appearance for questioning by the 14th of this month. Under the Protection of Children’s Rights Act, individuals convicted of such offenses face a mandatory prison sentence ranging from 15 to 25 years.
The police have summoned Izyan Abdul Hameed, 38, of Raahi, Faafu Nilandhoo, for questioning in an ongoing investigation. Izyan, who is a cousin of Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel, is accused of sexually abusing a minor while in a position of trust. | Social Media | Social Media
It has emerged that the individual sought by police on Tuesday for an ongoing investigation is a cousin of Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel. The suspect is facing allegations of sexually abusing a minor while in a position of trust.
The police today released a photograph of Izyan Abdul Hameed, 38, of Raahi, F. Nilandhoo, seeking his appearance for an investigation being conducted by the Hulhumale Serious Crime Investigation Department. Reliable sources have confirmed that Izyan is a first cousin of Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel. Izyan’s mother and Khaleel’s father are siblings. Furthermore, Izyan’s father is the biological brother of Minister Khaleel’s father-in-law.
According to reports, Izyan is accused of sexually abusing a minor while in a position of trust. It is understood that the case was reported to the authorities by the child's mother. Following the filing of the police report, Izyan fled the Maldives. Sources indicate that Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel facilitated his departure from the country.
The police have summoned Izyan for questioning; however, as his current whereabouts remain unknown, authorities have been unable to serve the summons in person. Consequently, pursuant to Article 27 of the Regulation on Police Procedures for Investigating Criminal Cases, a public notice has been issued requiring him to present himself for investigation on the 14th of this month.
Under Maldivian law, committing sexual abuse against a minor while in a position of trust is considered a severe offense. The "Protection of Children from Sexual Abuse Act" specifically defines a "person in a position of trust" to include parents, guardians, or family members; teachers, educators, or coaches; and healthcare professionals such as doctors or nurses. Additionally, it encompasses any individual who has been entrusted with the care and supervision of a child at any given time.
Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenders Act, individuals convicted of such offenses face a prison sentence ranging from 15 to 25 years. In these cases, presiding judges are granted the authority to remand the accused in custody until the conclusion of the trial. Furthermore, the law strictly prohibits the reduction of sentences, the granting of pardons, or the early release of anyone convicted of these crimes.
Furthermore, under the Child Rights Protection Act, it is a mandatory legal obligation for every individual to report any such acts of abuse against children.
