Malé, Maldives – Maldives Police Service on Monday confirmed that they have uncovered the identities of some of the people who were responsible for the recent trend of videos allegedly featuring political figures.
Speaking to the press, Assistant Commissioner of Police Mohamed Riyaz further informed that the issue was under their radar since March 2022 and have now managed to identify some of the suspects.
Same-sex sexual intercourse is a major crime and everyone involved in such activities will be prosecuted regardless of their positions or status.
Assistant Commissioner Riyaz
Alleged photographs of parliamentarian Hussain Shameem (Andhun Hussain) of South Henveyru constituency and MP Ahmed Saleem of Hoarafushi constituency have circulated on social media since Sunday.
While Police confirmed that the alleged photographs of MP Hussain have come to their attention, MP Saleem is not seen in any of the photographs and has denied all allegations.
Additionally, police on Friday seized the passport of Nasheed’s younger brother and defence lawyer Nazim Abdul Sattar amid investigations regarding a video portraying sexual intercourse between two men, one allegedly Sattar.
Same-sex sexual acts are prohibited under Sections 410, 411 and 412 of the Maldives Penal Code 2014.
Criminal Provisions
- Penal Code 2014, Section 410(a)(8) Unlawful Marriage Section 410(a)(8) prohibits same-sex marriage with a penalty of up to one year imprisonment.
- Penal Code 2014, Section 411(a)(2) Unlawful Sexual Intercourse Section 411(a)(2) criminalises intercourse between persons of the same sex with a penalty of up to eight years imprisonment.
- Section 411(d) permits an additional penalty under Sharia law of 100 lashes. This provision is applicable to both men and women.
- Penal Code 2014, Section 412 Unlawful Sexual Contact Section 412 prohibits sexual contact with a person of the same sex with a penalty of up to eight years imprisonment. This law applies equally to men and women.
Reports suggest that multiple high-profile individuals were video graphed at guesthouses in a blackmail operation.
