Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has called on the police service to conduct an unbiased investigation on the art studio rape case.

The suspect in the sexual assault of a 19-year-old girl is Hassan Faiz (33), the younger brother of Nihan Hussain Manik, the PG leader of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

While the assault occurred in Male’ last Wednesday, Faiz was arrested in GDh Thinadhoo on Saturday night, following an outcry after the case was reported by news outlets.

In a news statement on Sunday, MDP noted that the police had given rapists encouragement by allowing the suspect, who is a relative of an influential person, to remain free for days after committing the crime.

Hiding sexual assault and workplace harassment at the top level of government, and giving the accused senior positions, will only increase such incidents in the community, worried MDP, adding that authorities have been negligent in prosecuting those accused of heinous crimes such as rape.

The main opposition party also called on relevant authorities to increase the protection of those who have suffered sexual assault.