Accused in gang rape of minor released

 A man accused of taking part in the gang rape of a 14-year old in an island in the Central Region of the Maldives has been released.

The one released was arrested with four others who are also accused of raping the minor. Police initially stated that four were arrested in the case, but has now clarified that a total of five were arrested for the crime that happened on January 22. The four arrested included two aged 19, one aged 18 and one aged 21, according to Police.

It is reported that three of them actively took part in the crime while the fourth brought the minor to the guesthouse where she was raped. Cases of child abuse and sexual abuse reported in the country have seen an increase in 2020, accompanied by calls by the public calling for swift justice to be handed out to the perpetrators.