The criminal court today fined a man MVR200 (US$13) for physically assaulting his wife and shoving her onto the deck of a fishing boat in January.
Luthfee Umar from Laamu Isdhoo was found guilty of assault based on his confession and the medico-legal record of his wife, which stated that her lips were torn.
Local media reported at the time that Luthfee was thrown into the sea near the fish market in Malé by angry bystanders and was not allowed to climb out until the police arrived at the scene.
The current penal code enacted in 1966 carries a penalty of either six months in prison, six months of house arrest, or a fine of MVR200 for assault.
However, the new penal code – due to come into force in July – has a penalty of a maximum of four years for assault depending on the severity of the case.
The new penal code was due to come into force in April, but the pro-government majority in parliament delayed its enforcement to July citing lack of public awareness and concerns of religious scholars.
Today’s sentence has sparked outrage on social media, with one user observing that the fine is smaller than that of a parking ticket.
Anbi meehaa ah aniyaa kohgen 200rf joorinanaa…cyc nubaikoh park kohgen 750rf joorimanaa #judiciaryfail — yamaan (@yamaanshahid1) May 18, 2015
The sentence was passed by criminal court chief judge Abdulla Mohamed, who has previously been accused of misogyny. In 2005, then-attorney general Hassan Saeed sent a letter to then-President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom outlining several allegations against the judge.
After completing the sentencing of a defendant in June 2005, Abdulla Mohamed allegedly said: “Very few men ever meet women who love them. You may meet a woman who loves and cares for you. You should not run after a woman who does not love you. It is also stated in Holy Quran that women are very deceptive.”
So abuse your wife in public n u get a reload of MVR200.00 — Mohamed Affan (@afu007affan) May 18, 2015
Speaking to Minivan News today, opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP Rozaina Adam said such sentences “encourage similar abuses instead of acting as a deterrent.”
“We get a hefty MVR750 (US$ 49) just as a parking violation fine. With this sentence, beating a woman means less than a parking ticket,” said Rozaina.
Stealing laptop: 4 yrs. Stealing 2 Gillette razor packs: 1 yr. Beating wife unconscious – 13 US$ fine. #Maldives #Justice #GenderEquality — AzraNaseem (@Manje) May 18, 2015
Rozaina said that under the Domestic Violence Act, the police have the responsibility to explain the rights of the victim, such as getting a protection order, which has to be issued immediately.
She also criticised the ruling party for its decision to delay the penal code: “Delaying the penal code was a huge obstruction to justice.”
“The current penal code is severely outdated. 200 rufiyaa was a big figure then. But now it is very little,” said Rozaina.
Is this the human rights u were talking so proudly abt at #UPR22 Dunya? @UPRinfo@unwomenasia@IPUparliament@VofWpic.twitter.com/ecCFEpovTl
— Rozey MP-AdduMeedhu (@Roxeyna) May 18, 2015
Photo from social media.
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Abomination, an incredible use of self-worship