Man accused of sexually abusing at least 6 children rearrested

A man accused of sexually abusing at least six children in the greater Male’ area has been rearrested under a new court order. 

The case against the man, identified by police as a 55-year-old Maldivian, was reported to police back in March.  

He was initially remanded in custody of police for 30 days, but was granted conditional release by the Criminal Court on Monday. 

A police spokesperson told Sun a 55-year-old man arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing multiple children he holds a position of authority over was rearrested under court order on Tuesday, after he was released. 

His arrest following public uproar over his release, along with allegations he was attempting to flee Maldives. 

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.