Man Sentenced to 18 Years for Sexual Assault of Person with Special Needs

A man has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a male with special needs, following an investigation by the Maldives Police Service.

The charges were filed against Abdullah Waheed Moosa (58) of Funadu Navaa, Fuvahmulah, under the Act on Special Provisions for Perpetrators of Sexual Abuse against Children.

Police said they launched an immediate investigation after receiving the report, before forwarding the case to the Prosecutor General’s Office, which filed charges in court.

The court delivered its verdict on Sunday, after reviewing evidence and legal arguments.

While the total sentence imposed was 18 years’ imprisonment, the court deducted 1 year, 7 months, and 9 days spent in custody pending trial under Section 186 of the Criminal Procedure Act, resulting in a remaining sentence of 16 years, 4 months, and 21 days.

Authorities have not released further details on the case, while the Maldives Police Service said the matter was handled as part of ongoing efforts to investigate and prosecute sexual abuse cases.