HRCM asks staff not to join protests over woman's fall probe

The Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has instructed its employees not to participate in the ongoing nightly protests calling for justice over the death of Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed.

Yumnu was found fallen on the roof of H. Mitazge on the morning of the 18th of last month. Demonstrations have since taken place nightly at Artificial Beach, with participants alleging negligence by the Maldives Police Service.

According to HRCM, staff have been directed to avoid involvement in the protests to prevent any conflict of interest and to maintain the impartiality of the Commission’s work. The directive was communicated through the Commission’s internal WhatsApp group.

HRCM stated that it is currently monitoring the protests through on-site and media observation. The Commission has also launched an investigation into the actions of the police in relation to the case.

Citing international standards and the practices of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), HRCM emphasised the importance of maintaining neutrality. Staff members have therefore been advised against joining any activities that may compromise the Commission’s independence, including the current nightly protests.

"This step is taken to maintain the conduct of the Commission's role and to ensure that all its activities are impartial and in line with international standards," the Commission said in a message.

Public interest in the case intensified after it became known that Yumnu had attended a party at an apartment in the residence of Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen’s family on the night before her fall. Allegations were made that individuals present at the party refused to provide urine samples for drug testing.

Following public pressure, police disclosed the name of the residence and confirmed that two government officials were at the gathering.

The names of those who were at the party with Yumnu were later made public, and their passports were confiscated. Protests have since taken place outside the Maldives Police Service’s Criminal Investigation Department building.

Minister Ameen has faced allegations of attempting to influence the investigation. The absence of CCTV footage from his residence was explained by the homeowner, who informed police that the cameras were not functional at the time.

Police initially stated that neither Raud Ahmed Zilal, 21, nor anyone else was involved in the incident. However, Raud was later arrested on grounds of non-cooperation with the investigation.

An arrest warrant issued by the Criminal Court noted a “dispute” had taken place between Yumnu and Raud before the fall. The court also stated that Raud had told another person that Yumnu’s whereabouts were unknown and that she had possibly fallen.