Suspects arrested for throwing chemicals on woman’s face

A 50-year-old woman from the island of Lhaimagu in Shaviyani atoll was hospitalised Saturday morning after a man threw chemicals on her face.

Haleema Adam, the president of the northern island’s women’s development committee, was attacked when she opened her front door early in the morning,  Abdul Ghany Ibrahim, president of the Lhaimagu council, told the Maldives Independent.

The perpetrator threw the chemicals on her face and fled, Ghany said, after which Haleema was quickly taken to the regional hospital on Kulhudhufushi.

“It is unclear what kind of chemical that was used in the attack, but the police are investigating the matter now,” he said.

A 23-year-old man was arrested from Lhaimagu later on Saturday in connection with the attack, a police media official said. A 21-year-old man was also arrested later in the day.

The case is under investigation as “a serious matter,” the official added.

According to the Kulhudhufushi hospital, Haleema did not sustain serious injuries to her face but the substance caused minor damages to her eyes.

The attack on Lhaimagu caused shock and outrage on social media.

No woman here can feel safe unless/until the perpetrator who threw chemical at the face of the Women’s Committee President/Lhaimagu is found

— Mariya Didi (@MariyaDidi) December 24, 2016

Just when I thought 2016 couldn’t get any worse, a chemical attack on a woman here in Maldives. Dread what this could entail & lead to 😥😞

— Afshan Latheef (@AfshanLatheef) December 24, 2016

Horrific news from Maldives. No woman is safe. https://t.co/jLlwDVhu5T

— Farah Didi (@FarahDidi) December 24, 2016

Heinous. Need to ensure perpetrator is identified& that this does not become yet another attack on a woman that goes unattended, unpunished. https://t.co/tGjQAqOtoT

— Eva Abdulla (@evattey) December 24, 2016