A police officer in Addu City has been fined MVR 18,000 for assaulting a minor in August 2016. The Criminal Court handed down the verdict on Thursday, ordering the officer to pay the amount within three months.
The officer pleaded not guilty. But witnesses confirmed that the police officer hit the boy after the latter hit a reflector on the road. The victim, sustained visible injuries as per medical documents, was immediately taken to the hospital.
The court’s ruling took into account the fact that the victim was a child. It increased the punishment from the standard two months and 12 days in jail. The officer, who has no prior convictions, requested a fine instead of a jail sentence due to his employment.
It is unclear if the officer is still employed as a police officer or if any disciplinary action has been taken against him.