Rakeedhoo Council: Abuse was reported to Gender Ministry in December 2014

Rakeedhoo Council has said that the case of abuse against Mohamed Ibthihaal, who was found dead with serious injuries in the island yesterday, was reported to the Ministry of Law and Gender on 29 December 2014.

The council said in a statement issued today that following this, the mother was questioned and given advice by the police and ministry officials on 30 December 2014.

According to the statement, the council was informed by the ministry official who visited the island in relation to this case, that the mother had agreed never to harm the child again.

The council noted that the ultimate authority to ensure safety for children in abusive environments lies with Gender Ministry, and said that neither the ministry nor the police had requested any party in the island to monitor the situation.

“Moreover, the council provided advice to the mother following repeated incidents of abuse since then,” reads the statement.

President Abdulla Yameen said last night that all those who are found guilty in Ibthihaal’s death would face strict punishment.

Ibthihaal was found dead in the living room in his house at around 11:45 p.m. yesterday.

His mother had been accused of abuse and given advice by the island council on multiple occasions. Ibthihaal’s father is unknown, and the woman has two other children from another marriage.