During the first week of 2018 academic year, within the span of 48 hours, there have been two separate assaults committed against students. One of these incidents occurred inside Thaajudeen School premises, and the latter attack took place during the rush hour, at the end of morning school session, on Lily Magu.

No arrests have been made regarding the Lily Magu assault, and the perpetrators remain at large. According to the victim’s family, the boy was threatened prior to the stabbing inside the school, and the teacher remained silent despite student informing about the threat.

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP)’s Youth Wing is deeply concerned about the ongoing attacks on students, both inside and near school premises. We call on the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and take swift action against the perpetrators in order to avoid further violence.

Sadly, the Maldives Police Service appears to be incapable of taking proactive prevention measures, in order to keep our schools safe from gang violence.

The Ministry of Education has also failed to address the issue and remains deafeningly silent about the assaults.

Gang violence is on the rise in the Maldives, due to the culture of impunity and the links between street gangs and the highest levels of government. There have been more than 30 cases of gang assault reported to the police in 2018 so far.

The MDP’s Youth Wing calls on state authorities to address concerned parents and ensure the safety of children inside school premises.

ENDS