Will work with the lawyer of minor sentenced to lashing: Government

Government of Maldives has said that they will work with the lawyer representing the 15 year old girl from Shavhiyani Feydhoo, who was recently found guilty of fornication and sentenced to lashing, to ensure that justice is done and that her rights are protected.

The girl, who was a victim of sexual abuse for long period of time, was found guilty of premarital sex and sentenced to one hundred lashes and house arrest for eight months by Juvenile Court.

A statement released by the President’s Office today stated that the matter is deeply concerning and that as she is the victim of sexual abuse, she should be treated as such by the State and the society and therefore, fully protect her rights.

“The Government is of the view that the case merits appeal. The girl is under State care and the Government will facilitate and supervise her appeal of the case, via the girl’s lawyer, to ensure that justice is done and her rights are protected,” the President’s Office statement said.

The statement also stated that the Juvenile Court’s verdict has brought home the critical and severe need to review existing mechanisms, especially legal framework available for protecting the rights of the children in the Maldives.

The government announced that in view of the urgent attention required for protecting the rights of the children, a committee has been established to review the existing child protection mechanisms.

The Committee compromises the Ministry of Gender, Family and Human Rights, the Attorney General’s Office, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Islamic Affairs, and the Family Protection Authority of Maldives.