A Maldivian man was recently sentenced for physically assaulting his younger sister, though the court later commuted his jail time to an MVR 7,000 fine. 

The case leads back to October of 2024 when the man had initially been charged for assault.

The man admitted to the charges brought against him during the court proceedings, which led to a fast-tracked case.

Reports show the man had assaulted the young woman, identified as his younger sister, by grabbing her by the throat, after which he threw her on the ground. In addition, there was also physical assault in the form of pulling her hair.

Under Maldivian Penal code, what constitutes assault are causing physical pain, illness, bodily impairment, for which the act of assault is divided into two categories; simple assault, assault involving a dangerous weapon.

Simple assault is most usually referred to as a misdemeanor offence, which carries a basic sentence of 4 months and 24 days in prison, whereas assault involving a dangerous weapon is considered to be a fourth-degree felony, which carries a sentence of 1 year, 7 months, and 6 days in imprisonment.

In the present case in question, the Criminal Court initially sentenced the man to 1 month and 6 days in prison, after which the court later commuted it to a fine of MVR 7,000, giving the defendant 3 months to settle the fine.