A court has remanded nine suspects in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a 22-year-old woman and several minors in Huvadhu Atoll.
The individuals arrested in relation to the case are Mohamed Maisan Shiyaz (21), Ahmed Iftisham Zareer (24), Najmulla Hassan (35), Azim Mufeed (24), Ali Huzam Saeed (31), Mohamed Salih Ahmed (26), Ahmed Nooh Niyaz (20), Mohamed Mishal Ahmed Zuhair (20), and Ahmed Sanij Sadiq (32).
Among the suspects, Iftisham and Huzam have been remanded for 90 days. Sanij was remanded for 30 days, while Azim Mufeed received a 15-day remand. Maisan Shiyaz was ordered to be held for 10 days, and the remaining suspects were remanded for five days each.
A specialised investigative team from Male' is currently on the island to conduct the investigation.
Police previously stated that the case, involving the alleged sexual assault of a 22-year-old woman on an island within the Upper South Police Division, was reported last Tuesday.
Authorities further noted that during the course of the investigation, additional allegations surfaced involving the sexual abuse and exploitation of several minors.
To protect the identity of the underage victims, the police have not disclosed the specific island or atoll where the incidents occurred.
The police confirmed that the matter is being investigated as a serious case. The Upper South Police Division comprises Gaafu Alifu and Gaafu Dhaalu Atolls, where a total of 10 police stations are located.
