Majlis committee to make decision in child sexual abuse case, on Sunday

Majlis’ human rights’ and gender committee will make a decision in the sexual abuse case of a nearly two-year-old girl on Sunday.

While the parliament is currently in recess, the committee is holding emergency meetings over the case that came into light from Gaafu Alifu Kanduhulhudhoo island on Thursday night. Officials from the gender ministry, police and the prosecutor general’s office were questioned at Saturday’s meeting. The committee also questioned officials from the Kanduhulhudhoo island council.

Majlis’ media and communication direction Hassan Ziyau said that the committee will make a decision on the case at the meeting scheduled for 2pm on Sunday.

Noting that Speaker and former President Mohamed Nasheed will be informed of the committee’s decision, Ziyau said that the speaker will enforce the committee’s decision.

In a statement released after the heartbreaking story emerged, Majlis said that all such cases involving children will be thoroughly reviewed. Further noting that all involved in these cases will be brought to justice, the People’s Majlis said that it will do everything necessary to protect children and their rights “without hesitation.”

Speaker Nasheed, in a tweet, said that the fact that a two-year-old girl was sexually abused by her own great grandfather, grandfather and father “is a deeply concerning and shameful.” The former president assured that he will do what is necessary to hold those accountable.

At a press conference held on Saturday afternoon, police revealed that two of these men -the great grandfather and grandfather- are accused of sexually abusing her while the father is accused of negligence. All three men were arrested on Friday and have since been remanded by 15 days.