After facing a massive backlash against his insensitive rape remark in a radio show, Maldives’ Home Minister Imran Abdullah apologized for his statement, Sun News reported. 

In the safari assault case where a Kenyan national was molested by two men on June 16, the minister had said that the issue was blown out of context and the victim wasn’t raped. The statement sparked a huge protest against him on social media and mainstream media. Some people also came out on the streets in capital Male to protest  the minister’s remark. 

He apologized if any of his remarks were taken incorrectly and said it wasn’t his purpose while also blaming the media for misleading the public and advised journalists to stick to professional and ethical standards. 

Nine opposition MPs, not satisfied with his response, plan to bring a no-confidence motion in parliament against the home minister. The MPs belong to opposition parties like PPM and PMP. 

The law firm, representing the victim, also sent a letter to the speaker of the parliament to initiate action against the minister and also stated that with such an attitude they have no confidence in his authority for an impartial investigation into the case.