Man accused of blackmail and rape of 16-yo, remanded until sentencing

Unais Ahmed, 25, accused of child rape, has been remanded until sentencing.

The Baa Thulaadhoo native was arrested on May 28. He is accused of bringing a 16-year-old to a guesthouse in the capital by means of blackmail, where he proceeded to assault her.

The Criminal Court had ordered his release on Monday, after noting that Article 22 of the country’s Criminal Procedure Act does not classify the case as a major criminal offence. Hence, the court said that he can only be remanded for a period of 15 days.

Noting that the accused was rearrested on Monday, police said that this time the court ruled to keep him remanded until sentencing. Police said that the judge at the hearing issued the ruling after noting that there is cause to remand him until end of trial, under Articles 59 and 60 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

Police added that they are working to complete the investigation against Unais, and send the case for prosecution.

Further noting that there has been increase in offenses involving children including exploitation and grooming via the internet, the institution urged parents to be more attentive to this.

A similar incident was reported this month, where the victim aged 11 was raped at a guesthouse. While a 38-year-old man was arrested in the matter, he has also been remanded until sentencing.

This led to calls for more stringent measures to prevent sexual abuse, rape and exploitation of children in guesthouses across the country.