The High Court today sentenced an Islam teacher to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing female Grade 7 students at a school on an island south of Malé.

In this incident, which occurred roughly 10 years ago, the state charged the teacher with committing a sexual act against a minor while in a position of trust. However, the lower court did not find the charge proven. The state filed the appeal against that ruling with the High Court in 2024.

The teacher’s defence challenged the case by arguing that, even if he had touched the students, the state was required to prove that it was done with sexual intent. As evidence, the state submitted statements from the students, medical reports, and investigation reports, including one involving the school’s leading teacher.

Judges Hussain Mazeer, Hassan Shafeeu, and Fathimath Farheeza unanimously found the teacher guilty and handed down a 15-year prison sentence.