Maaibaidhoo council VP under investigation over child abuse allegations

Parliament's on Human Rights and Gender has launched an investigation into the vice president of the Maabaidhoo Council in Laamu atoll, over child sex abuse allegations.

This was revealed at a meeting on Tuesday, where chairwoman Jeehan Mahmood revealed that a complaint has been lodged against Maabaidhoo Council's VP Abdulla Rasheed, at the Local Government Authority (LGA). Police service is probing the case as well.

He is accused of sexually abusing a number of children and attempting to sexually assault his mother-in-law.

The committee concluded with the decision to request more information from the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) and the Gender Ministry, and to give them a three-day period to respond.

Additionally, the committee is to ensure whether LGA takes the necessary measures against officials facing such allegations, including suspending them from work.

Several members of the public have expressed concern over the lack of attention the issue has received from authorities.