Policeman accused of sexual abuse towards man released

Maldives Police Service is investigating a case of a police officer accused of sexually abusing an 18-year old man.

The officer has been named as Mohamed Raoof (42 yrs) from Jeymugasdhoshuge, M. Kolhufushi. Police stated that the case involved an altercation between the two men after the officer allegedly tried to commit sexual acts.

The officer was arrested and later released under conditions by the Criminal Court to attend his detention hearing. The Criminal Court stated that it did not see any reason why the man should be kept in custody since he had no prior convictions and was a long-serving police officer. The order to release the officer was issued by Judge Hussain Faiz Rasheed.

Homosexuality is a crime in the Maldives under the Penal Code article (412) (B). While the Police officer is under investigation, a disciplinary probe is also being conducted by the Professional Standard Command of the Police. The officer in the case is currently under a suspension.