Muslim Maldives: Prison for Nudity, Handslap Child Rape

(Maldive Islands) A couple weeks ago, sensational British model Katie Price visited a resort in Muslim Maldives following a breakup with her husband.

As a glamour model, 30-year-old Price is no stranger to taking her clothes off so it was natural for her to strip nude for a sun bath. Unfortunately, nudism and topless sunbathing are criminal offenses in the Muslim nation and the public expressed outrage at Price's behavior.

As a result, Maldives police are investigating and Price faces a possible prison sentence.
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Meanwhile, six suspected Maldives pedophiles were arrested last month for sexually abusing a 10-year-old girl. The girl had repeatedly been "sexually abused by her father, uncle and four family friends since the age of five, which doctors said had seriously impaired her mental health."

Last week, four of the six alleged perpetrators were released.

Neither Criminal Court nor police were able to give a reason as to why the suspects were released. Instead, both claimed the other would be able to provide an answer.

Despite the finger-pointing between the court and the police, it appears that child molesters and rapists are only held for a short while after arrest and then allowed to resume their lives. For example:

In July 2007, five girls aged 11 to 19 from Baa atoll Goidhoo were reportedly sexually abused by their Qu'ran teacher, Ali Rasheed. After months at court, he was freed and continues to live on the same island as his victims.

In another case in August 2008, a 14-year-old girl from Noonu atoll Holhudhoo was ambushed by a group of six men, four of whom raped her. Although the perpetrators confessed to the crime, they were freed and are living in the same island of the victim once again.

In summary, societal values in the Maldives are inexplicable. Child molestation appears to be tolerated as a misdemeanor while nudity and topless sunbathing are felonies.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.