President Dr Mohamed Waheed has welcomed the High Court decision to overturn the sentence by the Juvenile Court, to flog a 15 year old charged with fornication. In a statement issued by the President following the High Court decision, President Waheed described the decision as a positive stride taken in the criminal justice system.
The statement noted that as sexual assaults on women and children were increasing, it was important to formulate the criminal justice system in a way to prevent further victimizing women and children.
The President also believes that creating procedures necessary for the framework to protect women and children was a positive step towards preventing such unfortunate incidences.
The girl involved in the case is still under protective custody of the State. The President affirmed that the State would continue to help the girl to overcome the trauma she had faced, and lead a normal, happy life in the society.