Man arrested for molesting young stepdaughter jailed pending outcome of trial

The man arrested for the sexual abuse his 11-year-old stepdaughter in northern Maldives has been jailed pending the outcome of his trial.

The case was reported to the police on March 25, and the suspect, identified by police as a 47-year-old Maldivian male, was arrested on March 27.

He was ordered to jail pending the outcome of trial when presented before the court for his remand hearing the day after his arrest.

Sun has been informed the police have uncovered evidence which may prove key to securing a conviction in the case, including videos of the suspect abusing the victim.

The videos were retrieved from a phone the police confiscated under court order.

The case is being jointly investigated by the police and Gender Ministry.

Special Provisions Act to Deal with Child Sex Offenders, which establishes special provisions to deal with child sex offenders both at investigative and trial stages, prescribes a prison sentence of 15 to 18 years, if the person who carried out the offense holds a position of authority over the victim.

Those with information regarding crimes against children are urged to call the Maldives Police Service’s Family and Child Protection Department at 3000600 or the Ministry of Gender, Family and Social Services’ helpline 1412.