HRCM raises concerns over police conduct in woman's fall probe
The Commission is particularly concerned that only CCTV footage from the building where Yumnu last stayed was made public.
The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) has raised concerns over the police conduct in the ongoing investigation into the fall of Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed, 21, from a building in H. Fentenoige in the early hours of Friday.
Following a police press conference earlier Thursday, the Commission issued a statement highlighting a number of issues, including the selective disclosure of evidence and the potential for such actions to compromise the investigation.
Police had earlier released CCTV footage showing Yumnu and Raud Ahmed Zilal, 21, inside the building from which she later fell. The HRCM stated that presenting only certain parts of the evidence at this early stage could undermine the integrity of the investigation.
According to the statement, the Commission is particularly concerned that only CCTV footage from the building where Yumnu last stayed was made public. It added that this disclosure may have infringed on the dignity of the individuals captured in the footage.
The Commission also noted that during the initial police press conference held on Tuesday night, only Yumnu’s name was revealed while other individuals involved were not named.
The statement further noted that police actions to date may have contributed to the secondary victimisation of Yumnu.
The HRCM also questioned the appropriateness of police statements that may suggest a conclusion to the investigation while it remains ongoing.
Police have confirmed that Raud Ahmed Zilal is the nephew of Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen. Prior to the incident, Yumnu had attended a birthday gathering at a building where Minister Amin also resides, before proceeding to the building with Raud.
Public demonstrations were held in front of the Sergeant Adam Haleem Criminal Investigation Building Wednesday, as concerns mounted over possible political influence in the investigation.
As part of the investigation, police have seized the passports of individuals who were present at the apartment. A court order has also been obtained for the arrest of Raud Ahmed Zilal.
The individuals whose passports were seized are:
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Raud Ahmed Zilal, 21, of G. Eriyadhoo
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Aishath Layali Iqbal, 22, of G. Northbridge
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Izdian Mohamed Maumoon, 28, of MA. Mandhoogedhekunuge
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Yousuf Ahmed Akram, 22, of MA. Mandhoogedhekunuge
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Yousuf Yassar Abdul Ghafoor, 28, of H. Meenaz
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Aminath Junaida Jamsheed, 24, of M. Thilafalhu
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Hussain Hamees Ali, 28, of Ali/N. Velidhoo
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Ijaz Jaiz, 24, of Mathoda/GDh. Fares-Maathoda
In connection to the incident, two individuals holding roles in the President’s Office have also been taken into custody:
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Daud Ahmed Zilal, Undersecretary for Digital Strategy, has been suspended without pay. He has also been removed from his role as Chairperson of the Youth Advisory Council.
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Izdian Mohamed Maumoon, Strategic Communications Undersecretary, remains under investigation.
The investigation is ongoing.
