Majlis begins debate on emergency motion submitted regarding safari rape case

An emergency motion has been submitted to the People’s Majlis regarding the case of a foreigner being sexually assaulted by two local men on a safari boat, which surfaced during the weekend.

MP for Nolhivaram constituency Mohamed Nasheed Abdulla submitted the motion during Monday’s parliament sitting.

35 members voted to begin debates on the motion.

MP Nasheed stated that police’s actions in the case hinder the victim’s rights and added that he does not believe the investigations into the case will be impartial, due to influence.

Debating on the motion, parliamentarian for north-Galolhu constituency, Eva Abdulla pointed out two concerns in connection to the case; no security for women and how easily the influential people can avoid being brought to justice.

Eva asserted that the victim will be served justice and that the parliament is probing this because it is a major case.

Highlighting that there are ways to take testimonies in such cases as per the laws of the Maldives, Eva stressed that letting the suspects go citing insufficient evidence, is against the spirit of the Maldivian law.

This concern was raised by a number of parliamentarians’ present.

A number of lawmakers had called for an impartial, uninfluenced and just probe into the case.

Early Friday, police officers arrested two Maldivian men, 39, under suspicions of sexually assaulting a foreign woman, 27, on a safari boat docked off the coast of Hulhumalé.

While the suspects were released the next day, police have since assured that they will run “uninfluenced” and impartial investigations into the case, after drawing public criticism for their actions.

The case has churned public outcry, with a number of social media users calling for justice and fair investigations into the case, believed by many to be swayed by influence.