Man sentenced to over 18 years for sexually abusing three-year-old in Hithadhoo

The Criminal Court has sentenced a man from Haa Alif Atoll's Hithadhoo to more than 18 years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing a three-year-old child. Muhammad Naish Adam of Hudhudhaa, Hithadhoo, was charged under the Special Procedures for Persons Who Commit Sexual Abuse Against Children law with committing a sexual act with a child. The abuse occurred on various occasions starting from June 2025. The case was submitted to court on August 14 last year. The court ruled on Monday that the crime was proven and set a 20-year prison sentence. After reducing time spent in custody during the trial, the sentence was set at 18 years, 7 months, and 28 days.