Gaaf Dhaal Atoll, Maldives – Prosecutor Generals Office has appealed the issue of releasing an alleged child sex offender Mohamed Ahmed of Vincent, GDh. Gadhdhoo from jail at High Court.
Mohamed Ahmed who was elected as the council President while he was under the custody of the police for three charges of child sexual offences, however, was released today according to Maldives Correctional Service (MCS).
The Public Prosecutor and Media Official of the Prosecutor General’s Office, Ahmed Shafeeu stated that they have appealed the decision of the islands magistrate court to release Mohamed Ahmed of Vincent, GDh. Gadhdhoo from jail.
Mohamed Ahmed was charged with sexually assaulting a minor in 2015 during his council presidency; additionally charged with exposing a minor to pornographic material, possession of pornographic material in 2020.
Ahmed Shafeeu stated that a person charged with multiple sexual assaults have competed and won in an election does not guarantee the fact that he is no longer a danger to the youngsters.
The state cannot accept that decision (to release Mohamed Ahmed from jail) or the reasons given to support that decision.
Ahmed Shafeeu stated.
The accusations made in 2015, are still ongoing in Gahdhoo Magistrate Court. These were still ongoing when he was elected as the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)’s candidate for Gadhdhoo Council President by the Local Council Election held at April 10.
Although there are sexually assaulting accusations against Mohamed Ahmed, the Elections Commission (EC) President Ahmed Shareef said in a statement to the press that having charges against an alleged crime is not grounds for prohibition from running for office as long as they are not proved.
PPM and PNC released a statement on 18 March 2021 addressing this matter. In the statement, the party stated that the legal team of PPM is investigating the issue regarding the charges against their candidate for Gadhdhoo constituency.
The opposition coalition said that they did not condone and will not tolerate sexual crimes and will take action. However, there were no further updates from the matter from the opposition parties.
