Protest against rape and sexual assault, scheduled for Sunday
The protest will be staged infront of Velaanaage at 1:30pm on Sunday
Friday\'s protest
Serial protesters have decided to take to the streets against rape and sexual assault, on Sunday.
Individuals advocating for human rights and raising their voices against rape and sexual assault, have been taking part in serial protests, since the number of such cases began hiking very recently.
As such, protesters are scheduled to gather in front of Velaaanaage, a government building, at 1:30pm on Sunday to stage a rally. These protests are being staged by recently established Voice of Children.
These rallies revolve around voicing concern over how women are subject to rape and sexual assault where ever they are, even at home, their work places and even on the streets.
A number of demands are being observed throughout these serial protests, titled “Jaaga eh nei” translated to “There is no place”.
As such, protesters have been calling to ensure the rights of women, bringing perpetrators to justice, ensure justice and dismiss such offenders who remain in senior positions at government institutions.
Further, protesters have also been calling to arrest offenders who have political influence over such cases, serving justice to offenders equally as well as bringing an end to the influence being targeted at media outlets that report such cases.
Individuals taking part in the rally voiced their support in ensuring a safe working environment for women, as well as ensuring the independence of committees that probe cases of sexual offenses.
Protesters have been holding serial rallies and are preparing to stage another one in front of Velaanaage, at a time Ali Waheed, ex-Minister of Tourism has been stripped from the position following allegations of sexual assault from a number of female employees at the ministry.
During the latest protest held on Friday, protesters voiced rage over authorities’ delay in arresting Ali Waheed, who is accused of sexually harassing and assaulting employees at the ministry, during the ministry’s resort trips.
Friday’s protest began from the junction where Majeedhee Magu and Chaandhanee Magu meet, and ended near the Social Center.
Although officers of the Maldives Police Service (MPS) were active in the regions where the over 50 protesters marched with placards and posters, they had not interfered.
