Democrats criticise pres 'politicised' remarks on woman's fall

The Democrats have criticised remarks made by President Mohamed Muizzu regarding the incident in which 21-year-old Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed fell from the ninth floor of H. Fentenoege to the roof of the adjacent H. Mitaz on 17 April.

Speaking at the 92nd anniversary of the Maldives Police Service last Thursday, President Muizzu stated that responsibility for the incident also lay with those who had, in previous years, promoted the idea of "having fun without fear." The President was referencing a slogan included in the 2013 presidential campaign manifesto of the political figure behind the formation of the Democrats, former President Mohamed Nasheed. The slogan was associated with promoting sports, recreation, and the arts.

Democrats President Imthiyaz Fahmy, speaking at a press conference Saturday morning, said the incident involved matters more serious than politics and criticised the President’s comments as an attempt to politicise the case.

"The President’s speech on the anniversary of the police service is especially concerning because of the way it politicised the issue. It is not responsible and appears not to have been made in good faith," Imthiyaz said.

Imthiyaz, a lawyer and former parliamentarian who has served on both the Security Services Committee and the Judiciary Committee, said such remarks could affect the ongoing investigation.

"It could have a negative impact on the investigation. It could raise further doubt among the public about how the case is being handled," he said.

Imthiyaz, who was involved in the 2013 presidential campaign under the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), added that the President had misrepresented the original intent of the policies referenced.

"The manifesto meant ensuring that young people had space for artistic and creative expression, and that youth empowerment was a priority. Those proposals received over 105,000 votes," he said.

Imthiyaz also expressed concern over the pace and direction of the investigation.

"It is concerning that the police reached a conclusion before the investigation had been completed, with several aspects still requiring examination," he said.

Former Defence Minister Ameen Faisal, who also attended the press conference, said the youth-led protests demanding justice for Yumnu were not politically driven. He urged all parties to refrain from interfering.

"The youth protest is not political. The Democrats will not interfere. Young people should be allowed to continue their actions free from political influence. It should not be labelled as a political activity," Amin said.

Following the incident, Raud Ahmed Zilal, who was present at the scene, was arrested. The passports of seven other individuals who were reportedly with Yumnu before the fall were also seized.

Among them is Izdian Mohamed Maumoon, 28, who was dismissed from his post as Strategic Communications Undersecretary in the President’s Office last Thursday.

Raud's brother, Daud Ahmed Zilal, Undersecretary for Digital Strategy at the President’s Office, was suspended without pay and removed from the Youth Council.

Raud and Iyyad—whose passport was also seized—are nephews of Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen. Yumnu is reported to have attended a gathering at a building onwed by Ameen’s family on the night of the incident.

There have been allegations of interference in the investigation in connection with the family links. Ameen has denied the claims, stating that the apartment where the gathering was held was not directly connected to him.