Maldives Democratic Party has urged the local authorities to conduct investigation of a recent rape case involving a prominent lawmaker's relative as its prime suspect, without pressed down by influence or oppression of any entity.
In a statement released by MDP, it said that the rape case reported on Wednesday last week involves a relative of a prominent political member according to several news agencies while the silence and discretion of relevant authorities can be taken as a sign of supporting such adverse cogs of society.
The statement had further criticized the government and authorities of gross misconduct and irresponsibility in tackling cases involving sexual aggression and harassment. MDP accused police and security authorities of failing to provide safety and justice to commoners while they are engaged in safeguarding certain political members and entities - for political gains.
MDP had urged the authorities to conduct a transparent investigation in order to identify the culprit of the case and not favor any political intrusion or influence into the proceedings of the probe. The prime opposition party had called to the authorities to guarantee safety to the citizens from criminals and convicts.
The prime suspect of the rape case has been identified as one Hassan Faiz, who is the sibling of famous lawmaker and parliamentary group leader of Progressive Party of Maldives Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik.
Faiz was arrested from Gaaf Dhaal atoll Thinadhoo.
The victimized 19 year old female reported that she was sexually abused when she visited a studio at Male' on January 3, Wednesday. The woman, who is an aspiring artist herself visited the studio ass part of a project.
Post the incident she was offered an amount of MVR 16,000 for the discretion of the alleged sexual assault on her by Faiz.
The unnamed woman made her escape around 21:00hrs and was transported to hospital for medical attention by her friends. She had spoken to Avas Online stating she was at police station to deliver her statement until 06:30hrs of the following day.
Meanwhile the alleged rape suspect, Faiz has denied all allegations made on him and stated that he was "being framed."
"I believe this is an attempt to soil my reputation. I have earned a living through my own work and I have never been involved or associated with such an offense. This strictly a disgusting attempt to tarnish my name," Faiz responded to his allegations.
According to Faiz he had invited the woman to take part in an art project for a payment of MVR 2,000 but she demanded to raise her pay but after a verbal conflict she had left the venue.
However, the apparent rape victim claims that when one of her friends contacted Faiz to report the crime to police, he had responded in a hysterical manner saying "police cannot touch me."
The case has become a high-profile one due to Faiz being the sibling of MP Ahmed Nihan with several anti-government sentimentalists and key members from opposition urging authorities to conduct the investigation and taken action against the any convicts of the case.
Following the case making headlines, the Vilimale' lawmaker Ahmed Nihan has faced scrutiny and criticism from several opposition activists who had all strongly speculated of the politician to use his power and influence to avert the case to end in Faiz's favor.
Situation looks even more critical due to police publicizing only the lodging of the case without any further developments not made public following the incident date.
Nihan had in turn rebuked the claims by opposition asserting that he stands for justice as he urged authorities to proceed with the investigation and make necessary arrests without considering their social status or family ties.
