Nepalese Man Released After 30-Day Detention Over Minor Found in Room

A Nepalese man, who hid a 14-year-old Maldivian girl in the cupboard of the room he was staying in, was released after a month.

Information that could be used to identify those involved in the case will not be mentioned, as this is a case involving a minor. 

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In March, a magistrate’s court in the central Maldives ordered the detention of the 20-year-old suspect for 30 days. The Maldives Police Service (MPS) had searched the room he was staying in on the local island to work, over suspected sexual misconduct with a minor. During the search, the police discovered the minor hidden in a cupboard.

According to the detention order, police submitted sufficient evidence supporting the allegations. The suspect reportedly admitted to bringing the girl into his room on five different occasions, and the minor confirmed she had entered the room, including during the night, during interviews with authorities.

The court noted that the suspect, being a foreign national, posed a risk of fleeing, and detention was deemed necessary for the protection of society. The accused declined legal representation when the court considered his detention.

Following the completion of the 30 days, the court did not issue an additional detention order; the court confirmed to MV+.