Victim of the safari assault case which surfaced on June 26, Pauline Nduta Gichuru had not, “at any point” made any contact with former Attorney General Azima Shakoor, asserts her legal counsel.
On July 23, Pauline appointed Riza and Co as her legal counsel to represent and assist her in all matters connected to the case lodged at the Maldives Police Service (MPS) on June 26 regarding the sexual assault and attempted rape against her, on a safari boat docked off the coast of Hulhumalé.
Riza and Co published a statement shortly after, accusing Mendhuru Online of making false allegations quoting the victim.
Mendhuru Online had publicized a press statement on July 22, claiming that the article it had published earlier opposing claims made by the victim, was based on information provided by Azima.
Mendhuru Online claimed that Azima had informed them of a rape case on board a safari, adding that it seemed like Azima was "speaking on behalf of the victim”.
The news outlet claimed that the former Attorney General had continued to recount the incident, having stated that the victim was “having difficulties” in doing so herself. However, the outlet later claimed that they learnt that the rape claim was false and stated that their platform was “used to start a political battle”.
Denying the outlet’s allegations, Azima had revealed plans to pursue legal action against Mendhuru Online.
Riza and Co has also clarified that the former Attorney General is “unknown” to the victim who had never made any contact with Azima, “at any point”.
On these grounds, the firm has demanded that the news outlet remove said statement in which the publication refers to the victim, effective immediately.
All matters relating to the victim will be represented by attorneys at the firm, Shafeea Riza and Noorbaan Fahmy, the statement goes on to read.
In addition, it notes that Pauline’s legal counsel has officially communicated with the police as well as the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services alongside the People’s Majlis, Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) and the National Integrity Commission (NIC).
As such the institutions have been informed that from July 23, all communications with the victim must be made in the presence of the attorneys.
Similarly, all media outlets have been requested to seek permission before publishing narrations linked to the victim, in any form -broadcasting, online, print-.
The firm has warned of legal action if any media makes publications on any platform without their prior consent.
The firm strongly appealed to concerned individuals and the general public to be considered of the victim’s situation and to avoid direct or indirect communication with regard to this matter which may cause further distress and re-victimization under the current circumstances.
On behalf of the victim, the firm requested the public to give due regard to her right to privacy.
The statement goes on to read that given the prevalence of sexual harassment and cases of sexual offense in the Maldives, as well as the lack of public confidence in the protection systems, the firm has offered legal counsel to the victim on a pro-bono basis to ensure that she is fully informed of her rights and that she is assured proper legal representation.
In a press briefing earlier, police revealed that a news outlet has reported the case as a rape case and stressed that this is in violation of the victim’s confidentiality, especially since her photo has also been shared in the reports, by the news outlet, operating without registration.
Confirming that the safari case was not lodged as a rape case, police revealed that the responding officers had met the 27-year-old Kenyan woman at the Hulhumalé jetty early morning on June 26.
Police revealed that statements from 11 individuals were collected in connection to the case.
While there are also accusations of political influence within the police institution, the institution denied this, stating that they had acted in accordance with the information provided by the victim, to responding officers.
