Suspects in Rugyah abuse case remanded

Two suspects arrested in relation to the abuse against a woman and her three children under the pretense of Ruqyah, have been remanded.

While the 24-year-old man was issued a 15-day remand, the Criminal Court ordered the 29-year-old to be kept in police custody for the duration of investigation and trial.

RaajjeMV understands that the 39-year-old is the woman’s husband who brought the younger man “a Ruqyah practitioner” after the wife complained of having migraines.

As per an article published on Mihaaru news, the woman’s husband is complicit in the physical, mental and sexual abuse against the woman and three daughters.

Citing a family member, Mihaaru said that there were attempts to report the matter to both the police and gender ministry, but that they were ignored over the religious rhetoric provided by the husband.

While the parliament’s human rights and gender committee is looking into the issue, its first meeting was held behind closed doors on Wednesday.

In a tweet sent on Wednesday morning, Gender Minister Aishath said that such “atrocious acts cannot be and must not be tolerated” in the name of religious practice.

The Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services assured that the victims are now safe.