Malé, Maldives – The Parliament Human Rights and Gender Committee on Wednesday held secret sessions regarding the Addu child sexual abuse case.
The committee was scheduled to question the Maldives Police Service, Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services, Ministry of Education, the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives and Addu City Council during the secret session held from 13:00 today.
While the case was submitted to the committee by MP for Meedhoo constituency Rozaina Adam, members have expressed concerns that some entities are politicizing the case causing distress to the victim.
During the first committee meeting regarding the case, MP Ibrahim Nazil of South Hithadhoo constituency requested leniency for the arrested given that it is the month of Ramadan and the volatile environment of Addu City regarding the case.
The sexual abuse case of a 6 year old at a school in Hithadhoo by a janitorial staff and consecutive arrest has caused major protests in Addu City. The protestors allege that the child in question was abused by a close family member and accuse police of negligence in the treatment of the elderly Aimindhatha arrested for the crime. The suspect was remanded in custody till the end of trial.
Police stated last week that they are exploring all avenues including the possibility of the involvement of another individual in the case.
Addu Mayor Ali Nizar has also urged the police to take public suspicions into consideration in the investigation.
