The hearing of a 15 year-old girl charged with having “consensual
sexual relations” was cancelled on Wednesday (January 23) following a
request from the Prosecutor General (PG).
Juvenile Court Official told local media that the PG wanted to cancel
the hearing as “charges had been raised against an individual for
engaging in sexual activity with an underage person while holding a
trustworthy position”, local media reported.
The hearing – to take place in Juvenile Court – had been cancelled in
order for the PG to see if there was any reason to withdraw the
fornication charges against the girl.
According to local media, the letter sent by the PG to Juvenile Court
requesting the cancellation of the hearing did not mention who the
“trustworthy” person was.
Earlier this month, a PG’s Office spokesperson confirmed that the
charges against the minor were related to a separate offence under
Sharia Law, which had been filed on November 25, 2012.
The 15 year-old, who is from the island of Feydhoo in Shaviyani
Atoll, last year gave birth to a baby that was discovered buried in the
outdoor shower area of a home on Feydhoo. Her stepfather was later
charged with sexual abuse, possession of pornographic materials and
committing murder without intent.
According to local media, the mother is now facing charges of concealing a crime.
The PG’s Office and the Juvenile Court were not responding to calls from Minivan News at time of press.
The charges against the 15 year-old have been labelled an “absolute outrage” by NGO Amnesty International.
In a statement
Amnesty International’s Maldives Researcher Abbas Faiz stressed that
suspected victims of rape and sexual abuse required counselling and
support rather than criminal prosecution.
“We urge the Maldivian authorities to immediately drop all charges
against the girl, ensure her safety and provide her with all necessary
support,” the NGO’s statement read.
Amnesty Intentional also raised concerns that should the minor be
found guilty of “fornication” as reported in the media, she could
potentially be flogged in line with sentencing for similar cases held in
the country.
“If found guilty of ‘fornication’ the girl could be punished with
flogging. She would likely be kept under house arrest until she turns 18
when, under Maldivian law, the flogging can be carried out. Flogging is
a violation of the absolute prohibition on torture and other cruel,
inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment,” Amnesty International
stated.
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