Prosecutor General (PG) Hussain Shameem has vowed to seek the maximum punishment by law to individuals who exploit children to commit crimes. He made the statement while speaking to the press on the decision to press charges against suspects arrested in relation to the murder of a 13-year-old boy in June.
Speaking to the press, PG Shameem said the investigation and charges of the murder have been completed after analysing a large number of documents, including different medical tests, the post-mortem report and other information on the case. Noting details of the murder were disturbing to read, Shameem said the information on the case can only be disclosed to the public as allowed by laws and regulations. He added such brutal and heinous crimes should not be happening in the Maldives.
Speaking further, PG Shameem noted one of the individuals being charged with the murder is a minor. Noting the minor was being exploited to commit crimes, Shameem said individuals who exploit children for such acts should not think they can get away with these offences lightly. He vowed to seek the maximum punishment by law to individuals who exploit children to commit crimes.
Speaking further, the PG praised the cooperation and support provided by the public to the investigation, which helped the PG to press charges within two months. He said the community, as a whole, plays a crucial role in bringing criminals to justice and eliminating such crimes.
A 13-year-old boy was abducted, tortured and killed before being disposed in a box and thrown into the sea. The body was found near Hulhumale’ Phase II on June 13.
Two individuals have been charged with the murder, including a minor aged 17. The adult charged with the murder is facing a total of 13 charges, and is facing 100 years in prison.