ஏராளமான சிறுவர்களை பாலுறவு பலாத்காரம் செய்த இஸ்லாமிய இமாம் விசாரணை

Fuvahmulak Imam Accused Of Serial Paedophilia
By Aiman Rasheed
February 24, 2008

Ali Hassan, 66, Imam of Gnaviyani atoll Fuvahmulak, has been accused of molesting and raping a ten-year-old girl last Wednesday.

The gynaecologist at the island’s hospital, Dr Thajwar, told Minivan News there was conclusive evidence of rape and that the ten-year-old had been “sexually active.”

Police media co-ordinator Sergeant Shiyam confirmed that such a case was “under investigation,” but refrained from revealing any further information “due to the nature of the case.”

But local police said they were investigating other, similar allegations against the same suspect, who is currently out of the country.

Grooming

Abdulla Ahmed, brother of the alleged victim, said that Ali Hassan had “groomed” the girl by giving her sweets and money before allegedly committing the crime.

Mazeena Jameel, Director General of the Child Protection Authority, said international research indicates paedophiles either “threaten” or “bribe by giving presents” to the child they plan to abuse, as part of a “strategy” to gain access.

Staff Sergeant Hassan Shifau, who heads Fuvahmulak police station, told Minivan News that further allegations of child abuse against Ali Hassan were being investigated by Fuvahmulak police.

But the investigations are hindered by the absence of Ali Hassan, who is out of the country for medical reasons, he added.

Social Stigma

The family of the alleged victim also believe it was “not an isolated” incident. They accuse Ali Hassan of being a “serial molester.”

Aishath Mohamed, 47, claims that Ali Hassan also molested her daughter, now 16 years old, seven years ago.

However, Aishath said she had not gone to the authorities because the Imam was a “respected member of society”.

She felt that pressing charges would “hurt her daughter” due to the social stigma attached to such an incident.

Justice

The families of both of Hassan’s alleged victims question whether justice will be served.

In child abuse cases, there may no evidence of trauma on the victim’s body, argued Aishath Mohamed.

This means that – unlike in last week’s case – there would be no way to prove her child had indeed been molested, besides the child’s evidence.

In child abuse cases, medical reports, witness accounts and victim statements can be used as evidence, State Attorney Hussein Shameem said.

Shameem added that a draft bill on admissible and inadmissible evidence had been completed, and that this will clarify how expert opinion – such as a statement from a psychologist – can be used as evidence in courts of law.

Further Cases

Another case of accused child abuse is under investigation by Fuvahmulak police, but the accused man, Ahmed Shareef remains at large in the island while the investigation is ongoing.

This case comes after the Justice Ministry announced that sex offenders will face jail sentences rather than banishment under amendments brought to sentencing earlier this month.

This is the second case of alleged paedophilia from Gnaviyani Atoll Fuvahmulak this month.