This archive report was first published on 30 June 2020.
June 30, 2020, marked a day of outrage in the Maldives after two men suspected of raping a Kenyan woman aboard a safari boat were released unconditionally.
The incident occurred last Friday, and the two 39-year-old suspects were arrested at the scene. However, they were later released without any explanation, leaving many in the Maldivian community questioning the country's police and justice system.
The victim, a Kenyan national who previously worked at a resort in the Maldives, was attacked at a party on a safari yacht anchored in the greater Male region of Hulhumale. She managed to escape and swim to the dock, where she was rescued by officers on patrol.
According to reports, the victim was offered $500,000 to drop the charges against the two suspects, sparking allegations of a cover-up. There are also claims that one of the suspects is related to a senior government official, who may have aided their release.
Police declined to release details of the case, citing concerns that it could impede the investigation. However, the public outcry led to the suspects being rearrested.
