Maldivian Police Identify Nine Suspects in Gang Rape Case on Southern Island

Police in the Maldives have publicly disclosed the identities of nine individuals arrested in connection with the gang rape of a 22-year-old woman on a southern island. According to the Maldives Police Service, the accused include Mohamed Maisan Shiyaz (21), Ahmed Ifthisham Zareer (24), Najmulla Hassan (35), Aazim Mufeed (24), Ali Huzam Saeed (31), Mohamed Saliuh Ahmed (26), Ahmed Nouh Niyaz (20), Mohamed Mishal Ahmed Zuhair (20), and Ahmed Sanij Sadiq (32). Following their court appearance, remands were ordered: four suspects for five days, Mohamed Maisan Shiyaz for 10 days, Aazim Mufeed for 15 days, Ahmed Sanij Sadiq for 30 days, and Ahmed Ifthisham Zareer and Ali Huzam Saeed for 90 days. The police have deployed a special team from Male' to investigate on the island. During the investigation, separate cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation have also been identified. The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has appealed to the media and public to refrain from publishing any information or photos that could compromise the dignity of the victims, and urged a swift investigation and prosecution.