Authorities Probe Alleged Attempt To Force Child To Smoke
Authorities probe 10-year-old forced to smoke on central island
Authorities have launched an investigation into an alleged attempt to force a 10-year-old child to smoke a cigarette on a central Maldivian island.
🚨 Public Statement #JusticeForMy10yearsSon @MMuizzu @sajidhaamohamed @Sun_Siyam @aishathshiham @Abbasvelidhoo @PoliceMv @HKurusee pic.twitter.com/9BfpCXKpIE
— Ahmed Reehan (@reekhan999) November 22, 2025
The incident came to public attention after the child’s family shared details on social media.
According to the child’s family, two 17-year-olds under the care of the Gender Ministry stopped the child, attempted to force him to smoke, and pressed a cigarette against him. The teenagers also threatened to kill the child’s parents if he reported the incident.
The child’s family said the boy is now traumatised and remains silent following the episode. They have called on the government, the Gender Ministry, and the police to take urgent action and ensure justice is served.
Ministry of Family and Social Development stated that it had already initiated an investigation after receiving an earlier report, before the matter surfaced on social media. The Ministry reiterated that it investigates all child-related cases with the highest priority and is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all children.





