Boy forced to smoke on way to mosque, family says
He said the pair grabbed the child, forced him to smoke a cigarette, and threatened to kill his parents if he spoke about it.
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A family has reported that a 10-year-old boy was stopped and forced to smoke a cigarette while he was on his way to the mosque in an island for evening prayers.
Police said an investigation is under way.
According to police, the incident involved children living on an island under state care. They confirmed that the case concerning forced smoking is being examined.
The boy’s father said on social media that his son was assaulted by two 17-year-old boys. He said the pair grabbed the child, forced him to smoke a cigarette, and threatened to kill his parents if he spoke about it.
He wrote that his son was frightened and unsettled following the incident.
The father said the other child who had accompanied his son to the mosque attended school today. He added that the family has reported the case to the police.
More than 150 children are currently under state custody. Previously, children were placed in centres in Villimalé and Hulhumalé. Aman Hiya centres have now been established in five islands, and some children have been relocated to these facilities.
