Emergency motion presented to parliament after reports of 13-yo child bride, vandalism using IS logo

An emergency motion has been presented to the parliament floor following reports of a 13-year-old child bride, and vandalism using the logo of the terrorist organization, officially known as the Islamic State (IS) or better known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The emergency motion was presented by the MP for South Henveyru district, Hussain Shaheem.

While presenting the motion, Shaheem declared that members of terrorist cells have been intimidating and striking fear into the hearts of law-abiding citizens by tagging public property of Maaungoodhoo island in Shaviyani atoll with the logo of the terrorist militant group known as I.S., in an attempt to "conquer" the island.

He further stated that the investigative report by the Presidential Commission on Murders and Enforced Disappearances (DDCom) on the former lawmaker, Dr. Afrasheem Ali reveals the level of concern that needs to be given to the incident in Maaungoodhoo island.

Referring to the reports of a pregnant 13-year-old child bride that came to public attention after her rapist was violently attacked by his crew-mates on a sea-cucumber fishing boat due to an ideological disagreement, Shaheem asserted that children are not physically and mentally on the same level as adults. He further highlighted that while article 35(A) of the constitution and the Child Rights Protection Bill recognizes that children must be given protection by their family, the public and the state, child abusers and child sex offenders are running rampant in society.

As such, he pointed out despite authorities receiving information about the 13-year-old girl almost a year ago, the child continues to live in the same dangerous environment. Furthermore, Shaheem noted that no legal action has been taken against the responsible parties and demanded that immediate action be taken against them as well as the authorities that neglected to take action.

Additionally, he appealed to the administration to take heed, noting that such incidents are pushing the country to the brink of war.

As such, the Maldives Police Service (MPS) and the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services released a joint press statement on Sunday, divulging that investigation into the pregnancy of the 13-year-old girl has been ongoing since authorities received the report on 6th June 2018.

The joint statement also declared that efforts are underway by the relevant authorities to provide these the 13-year-old girl and other children in her family with their inherent right to education, healthcare, and a safe environment.

They further state that legal action will be taken to protect children at risk of being targeted by child sex offenders.