AG opinion sought on dissolving murder inquiry commission

The President’s Office has sought advice from the Attorney General (AG)’s office on how to proceed with the presidential commission on missing persons and murders, which was set up by the previous government.

The commission was established by then President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on November 17, 2018 to investigate the cases of missing persons and murdered persons and bring justice to their families. This was his presidential promise.

Strategic communications minister at the President's Office Ibrahim Khaleel said that no decision has been taken yet on the dissolution of the commission. However, he noted that the AG's advice has been sought on the matter.

“We have now sought the advice of the AG on the work of the commission as it does not appear that the commission has been carried out in a manner that achieves its objectives during the past five years,” Khaleel said.

According to Khaleel:

Section 19 of the Presidential Commissions Act states that within three months of the end of each fiscal year following the commencement of its work, the commission shall prepare an annual report detailing its activities during the previous year.

Section 21 of the Act provides that the accounts of the commission’s income, expenditure, assets and financial liabilities, in consultation with the Auditor General, shall be documented and audited in accordance with the rules made by the commission.

Out of the 27 cases investigated by the commission, the investigation has been completed and reported on:

The only case the commission investigated and sent to court for prosecution was the murder of Rilwan and Yameen. Thus:

Six journalism and human rights civil society organisations have recently called on the government to question the work done by the commission and its investigation reports.