Investigation into gang rape of minor

Police have begun an investigation into a gang rape of an underage girl on an island in the central region of Maldives.

Police stated that reports of the crime were received last night and involved a 17-year old girl. While the matter is being investigated seriously, no one has so far been arrested in the case.

The law states that if there is more than one person involved in the act of abusing a minor, they can be sentenced to a period of 20-25 years in prison.

Recent cases of child abuse and sexual abuse being reported in the country have seen a stark increase after the case of a toddler allegedly raped by elderly family members came to light on January 15, 2020. Calls to investigate and punish those behind such heinous crimes have been increasingly amplified by the public.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has also expressed concern over these cases and declared that the government has a “zero tolerance” policy on such crimes.