MDP submits no-confidence motion against Ameen
Prior to the incident, Yumnu had attended a party at an apartment in a residence owned by Ameen’s family.
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Tuesday submitted a no-confidence motion against Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen, alleging that he interfered in the police investigation into the fall of 21-year-old Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed from a ninth-floor apartment.
The incident took place at H. Fentenoy, where Yumnu fell onto the roof of an adjacent warehouse. Prior to the incident, she had attended a party at an apartment in a residence owned by Ameen’s family.
Initial police reports did not disclose the name of the residence where the party occurred. Following public pressure, the police later confirmed that the gathering took place in Ameen’s family house. The party was reported to have been attended by individuals connected to senior government officials.
As public attention increased, the names of the individuals who were with Yumnu were made public, and their passports were confiscated. Protests were also held outside the police's Criminal Investigation Department offices.
The MDP has alleged that Minister Ameen influenced the investigation process. One of the concerns raised was the unavailability of CCTV footage from the residence. Police have said the homeowner claimed the camera was not functional at the time.
Galolhu South MP Meekail Ahmed Naseem submitted the motion, which was signed by 12 members of the MDP parliamentary group, according to Hithadhoo South MP Ibrahim Nazil. At a press conference held in Parliament, the MDP expressed concern over reports that Ameen contacted then-Police Commissioner Ali Shujau while the police were conducting a search of the residence.
The MDP claims that the combination of delayed disclosure, absence of CCTV footage, and direct communication with police officials suggest undue influence on the investigation.
“At the moment, the MDP parliamentary group has no confidence in him,” Nazil said.
Minister Ameen has denied the allegations. According to him, he was not in the Maldives at the time of the party, the apartment in question was not directly connected to him, and he only learned of the incident on the evening of the following day. He has denied taking any action to influence the investigation.
Meanwhile, the police initially stated that there was no involvement of Raud Ahmed Zilal, 21, or others in the incident. However, Raud was later arrested on the grounds of non-cooperation with the investigation. An arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court later revealed that there had been a dispute between Yumnu and Raud prior to her fall, and that Raud had informed someone that Yumnu was missing and may have fallen.
