21 August 2013, Male'; The Government of Maldives welcomes today's landmark decision of the High Court to overturn the verdict of the Juvenile Court to sentence the 15-year old girl for pre-marital sex. The Government of Maldives notes that the decision is a big relief for the girl who has been a victim of sexual abuse and neglect by her own family.
The Government has always maintained that the case should not have been tried in the first place. The High Court, in its decision, stated that at the time of prosecution, the girl was going through ‘post-traumatic stress disorder' and therefore was unfit for trial. The Government believes that today's verdict would give significant impetus to its efforts to ensure that the rights of children, particularly the girl-child, is enhanced and strengthened through the country's criminal justice system.
The High Court's verdict also provides an opportunity to further strengthen the criminal justice system as well as the child protection system in the Maldives. Earlier this year, President Waheed set up a special Committee to review the existing child protection mechanism in the Maldives. The Committee has now concluded its work, and is in the process of finalizing its report. Once the report is finalized the Government will look into filling the gaps and strengthening the existing system with the best interests of children in the Maldives.
The 15-year old girl still remains under the care of the Ministry of Gender, Family and Human Rights and has undergone rehabilitation as well as psychosocial therapy.
ENDS