Minor charged in murder of 13-year-old boy transferred to home confinement

The 17-year-old boy charged in the abduction and murder of a 13-year-old boy has been transferred from jail to home confinement. 

The 13-year-old boy was reported missing by his family on June 20. The police were investigating the case as a possible kidnapping, when the Hulhumale' police received a report on the evening of June 21 of a child being tortured in the restricted area of Hulhumale' Phase II, prompting the police to search the area.

His body was found dumped in a suitcase in the lagoon northeast of Hulhumale’ Phase II at 02:38 am on June 22.

Two people were charged in connection to the murder; Ibrahim Zihan, 27, and a 17-year-old boy whose identity has not been disclosed as he is a minor. 

The Juvenile Court had previously ordered for the 17-year-old boy to be remanded in jail pending the outcome of his trial. 

However, the court reviewed its decision, and ordered for him to be transferred to home confinement. 

The court made the decision based on a report released by the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM), stating that the juvenile detention facility in Asseyri Prison in K. Hinmafushi was unfit for detention of minors.   

HRCM said the facility does not provide minors with the rights and protections guaranteed to them under the Maldivian Constitution and international laws and conventions, and instructed Maldives Correctional Service for an immediate cease detention of juveniles at the prison.   

The minor charged in the murder of Ahmed Udhayyu, 17, in GA. Maamendhoo in February has also been transferred to home confinement. 

With the decision, there are no longer any minors confined at the Asseyri Prison.