Zakiyya family calls for independent probe into death
Police had earlier indicated that Zakiyya’s injuries did not appear to have been caused by another person.
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The family of Zakiyya Moosa, who was found dead with injuries on N. Holhudhoo island last September, has requested that the investigation be withdrawn from the police and handed over to an independent commission.
Police had earlier indicated that Zakiyya’s injuries did not appear to have been caused by another person and that her death was believed to have been the result of self-inflicted injuries.
Zakiyya’s cousin, Shafiyya Musa, sent a letter to President Mohamed Muizzu requesting that the police be excluded from the investigation.
The letter expressed concern that the police had not provided the family with sufficient information, leaving room for doubts about the investigation. The concerns raised in the letter included:
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No response from police regarding whether a 3D scan was conducted for a virtual autopsy
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Lack of disclosure regarding the date of the scan and the identity of the doctor who performed the virtual autopsy
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Lack of explanation on how a virtual autopsy scan could be conducted six months after the incident
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Allegations of domestic violence had not led to questioning of suspects or analysis of their phones
The letter also accused Zakiyya’s husband of domestic violence.
The family appealed to President Muizzu to remove the police from the case, conduct a special inquiry into the police investigation, and establish a special commission for this purpose.
The police have sought assistance from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) following the emergence of suspicions regarding the death. The FBI’s findings have been handed over to the police after reviewing the investigation. However, police have yet to officially comment on the FBI report or the virtual autopsy report.
Zakiyya’s body was not subjected to a traditional autopsy but was previously shown to a pathologist in Malé. According to findings cited by the police:
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The pathologist advised that there were no injuries caused by another person
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Hesitation marks or stab wounds were found on the body
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There were no signs of the presence of another person at the scene
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Multiple wounds were found on both sides of Zakiyya’s neck, including three deep wounds on the left side and two deep wounds on the right side
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A mark was found on the chest, though the doctor advised it did not resemble an injury
Police investigations into the death are ongoing.
