22-6-2023 (MALE) 26-year-old Chinese student, known as XuYitong on Twitter, made shocking allegations against a butler at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, accusing him of raping and assaulting her during her stay. Taking to social media, she posted images of her injuries and claimed that the hotel staff confiscated her computer and towels, which had been stained with the perpetrator’s semen. XuYitong further asserted that the hotel staff accused her of fabricating the incident in an attempt to secure a free stay, and instead of offering n apology, asked her to leave the hotel.
The incident has generated widespread attention globally, with many expressing solidarity with the victim and demanding justice. XuYitong has reached out to the President of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, and the Parliament speaker, Mohamed Nasheed, seeking their assistance. She has also accused the hotel management and Maldives police of failing to take any action in response to her complaint.
Responding to the outcry, the Maldives Police Service issued a press statement yesterday, stating that they are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. A forensic team has been dispatched to The Ritz-Carlton to gather evidence. As of now, no arrests have been made, but forensic samples have been collected from both the victim and the suspect. Despite these developments, the victim asserts that she felt extremely vulnerable and had to endure being alone in the same location where the assault took place for over 24 hours.
She had to make the journey back to the airport unaccompanied, raising concerns about the availability of victim support in her situation. Additionally, she questions whether the necessary legal procedures were followed diligently by the authorities, believing that the local police failed in their duties. Professor Ahmed Shaheed, an expert on freedom of religion or belief and a member of the Religion & Equality Project at Essex Law School, has also voiced concerns over the use of the term “just resolution” instead of “justice and redress” for the alleged victim.
I felt so unprotected and had to endure being all alone in the same place where I was raped for more 24 hours. I had to travel back to airport all by myself. I’m just wondering, where was the victim support? Were all the necessary processes under local law followed? No! @PoliceMv https://t.co/qh2h8zx6hM
— XuYitong (@YolyYitong) June 22, 2023
Ambassador Dr. Muhammad Shahid Amin Khan, the 4th World Chair of the International Human Rights Commission (IGO) and Advisor to the Prime Minister of Pakistan & Guinea-Bissau, has strongly condemned the act of violence. He hopes that the Foreign Minister of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid, will ensure that justice is served for the victim. Ambassador Khan is closely monitoring the case on behalf of the International Human Rights Commission as IGO and is determined to ensure that the perpetrator does not evade justice.
Is the operative phrase “just resolution” rather than justice & redress for the alleged victim? https://t.co/FzxyvPYG1Z
— Ahmed Shaheed (@ahmedshaheed) June 21, 2023
This incident raises concerns about the safety of tourists in the Maldives and once again highlights the issue of sexual harassment and assault within the hospitality industry. The Maldives, renowned for its luxurious resorts and breathtaking beaches, heavily relies on tourism for its economy. Mishandling the situation could have a significant impact on the country’s tourism industry.
