MNDF officer arrested for child abuse

An officer of the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) has been arrested in connection with a child abuse case.

MNDF media officer Maj. Ibrahim Azim confirmed that an MNDF officer was taken into the custody of Police regarding a case under investigation. Sources have confirmed that the officer was arrested in connection with a child abuse case.

The number of rape and child abuse cases in the Maldives has seen a significant increase after a case of a toddler allegedly abused by elderly members of the family in G.A Kanduhulhudhoo came to light on January 15, 2020.

Soon after this, MP for Addu Meedhoo, Rozaina Adam expressed concern in a meeting of the Human Rights and Gender Committee of the Parliament last Friday that two MNDF personnel remained free after being accused of raping a 15-year old. It is not confirmed if the MNDF officer arrested is connected with the case revealed by MP Rozaina.