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A protest over Zakiyya's death.

Zakiyya's family requests autopsy

Residents of Holhudhoo have held protests expressing concern over the lack of an autopsy in the investigation of Zakiyya’s death.

10 April 2025
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The family of Zakiyya Moosa, who was found dead with injuries in September last year in N. Holhudhoo, has formally requested an autopsy following the exhumation of her body.

Although police conducted a virtual autopsy using CT scans and MRI imaging to construct a 3D model of Zakiyya’s body, her family has called for a physical autopsy to be carried out. Some media outlets have reported that the cause of death was self-inflicted injuries.

In a letter addressed to Home Minister Ali Ihsan and Prosecutor General Abbas Shareef, 20 members of Zakiyya’s family requested that a full autopsy be conducted. The letter stated that re-excavating a buried body for an autopsy is not unprecedented and is practised in other countries, including the Maldives.

The family also requested to be consulted regarding the process before the procedure takes place.

Residents of Holhudhoo have held protests expressing concern over the lack of an autopsy in the investigation of Zakiyya’s death.

While a full autopsy was not performed, police had previously presented her body to a pathologist in Malé. Based on that examination, police stated:

  • The pathologist found no evidence of injuries caused by another person.

  • Hesitation marks or multiple stab wounds were identified.

  • There were no indications of another person being present at the scene.

Police said that Zakiyya had multiple wounds on both sides of her body, but reaffirmed that the evidence did not suggest third-party involvement.

The family continues to seek further investigation and clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding her death.

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