Shouldn't be responsible for crimes of relatives, Ameen says

Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen told Parliament on Thursday that individuals should not be held responsible for crimes committed by their relatives.

His remarks came during a parliamentary debate on a no-confidence motion filed against him by the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).

The motion relates to the incident involving Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed, who fell from the ninth floor of H. Fentenoy in Henveiru. Prior to the fall, Yumnu had attended a gathering at MA. Maandhooge Dhekunuge — a house jointly owned by Minister Ameen and his siblings.

Minister Ameen stated that while the residence is used by his family, ownership and use of the property are shared among three siblings. He said his family resides in a portion of the building, and other parts are occupied by other individuals.

“In a jointly-owned or condominium with multiple owners or residents, there is no legal or rational basis to hold one person accountable for a criminal offence that may occur elsewhere in the building,” Ameen said.

The Minister acknowledged that illegal activities should be addressed through the legal system.

“If something illegal has taken place in the building I reside in, the matter must be dealt with according to the law. I accept this both as a minister and as an individual,” he said.

Ameen also said that no state authority had concluded that drug use or other unlawful acts had taken place in the southern part of MA. Maandhooge Dhekunuge on the night in question. He further denied any attempt to influence the police investigation.

“There is no allegation from any investigative agency that I or my relatives were involved in the fall of the individual from the building in Henveiru. Therefore, there is no reason for me to interfere with the investigation,” he told Parliament.

According to police, nine individuals had their passports seized during the investigation. Two of them — Yusuf Ahmed Akram (22) and Izdhiyan Mohamed (28) of MA. Maandhooge Dhekunuge — are related to the Minister.

In his remarks, Ameen said, “They are adults and must be accountable for their own actions. They are not my children, not my spouse, not my parents, and not those under my care.”

Ameen reiterated that a person should not be held liable for the actions of a relative.

“Under Islamic Sharia, Maldivian law, and in any established society, no one should be held responsible for a crime committed by someone else simply because of family ties,” he said.

He rejected the seven allegations levelled against him in the no-confidence motion, describing them as without basis.

When questioned by MPs about his relationship with Izdhiyan Mohamed and the reported absence of CCTV footage from the premises, Minister Ameen did not provide a direct response.