Ex-tuition centre head charged with 6 child sexual abuse offences
According to police allegations, the abuse took place repeatedly between the ages of 14 and 16.
The Prosecutor General’s Office has filed six criminal charges against Ali Aflah, the former head of Bright Minds Tuition Centre, over allegations of sexually abusing a child over a period of more than two years.
Aflah, 27, of Hairaathu, Hulhumalé, is accused of sexually abusing a girl who attended classes at the tuition centre.
According to police allegations, the abuse took place repeatedly between the ages of 14 and 16.
The charges were submitted to the Criminal Court last Tuesday.
According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, the charges include:
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One count of grooming a child for the purpose of sexual abuse;
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One count of engaging in a sexual act with a child while in a position of trust;
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Three counts of engaging in a sexual act with a mahram; and
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One count of obstructing justice.
The allegations first became public several years ago. Police have previously stated that Aflah left the Maldives after the allegations emerged and remained outside the country for an extended period.
He was arrested in February after returning to the Maldives and has remained in police custody since then.
The Criminal Court is expected to proceed with the case following the filing of charges.
