High Court overrules controversial flogging sentence for Feydhoo minor

High Court has today overruled the controversial flogging sentenced passed on the 15-year-old minor convicted of fornication in Shaviyani Feydhoo.

The girl, who had been raped by her stepfather and another man, was convicted of fornication following a confession in court and sentenced to 100 lashes and eight months’ house arrest. The sentence received blunt condemnation and severe criticism from the international community and human rights organizations.

High Court's Media Official said today that the hearing was closed off from the public and thus, details cannot yet be revealed.

“The judges are in a meeting right now. Details will be provided to the media once the meeting is over, when we get permission from the judges,” Media Official said.

The Prosecutor General’s Office has refuted the claim that they had raised charges for the incident where the girl was abused by her stepfather. They said that the charges were for a separate incident, to which the girl had confessed in court.

Juvenile Court had said that the girl was convicted based on her confession and where she had conceded to fornication.

State has raised charges carrying large prison sentences upon the girl’s mother and stepfather.