Man Sentenced to 16 Years for Child Sexual Abuse

A 47-year-old man has been sentenced to 16 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl, following an investigation by the Maldives Police Service.

The Criminal Court delivered its verdict last Wednesday, convicting Mohamed Anil of M. Muniyage, Malé, under the Act on Special Provisions for Perpetrators of Child Sexual Abuse.

According to authorities, police launched an immediate investigation upon receiving the report, before forwarding the case to the Prosecutor General’s Office, which filed charges in court.

While the offence carries a 16-year prison sentence, the court deducted 4 months and 19 days already spent in custody in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Act, reducing the remaining sentence to 15 years, 7 months and 11 days.

Police said the case reflects ongoing efforts to combat child sexual abuse, reaffirming their commitment to investigating such crimes and ensuring the safety of children.