NGOs unite to urge Maldives' death commission to reveal probe findings

A dozen NGOs has called on the findings of the Commission on Deaths and Disappearances (DDCom) are revealed to the victims’ families and made public before it is set to be dissolved later this month.

The NGOs in a joint statement said though incumbent president Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had extended the dissolution of DDCom until the end of the month at the request of the families of the victims, the truth about the fate of the victims must be provided to over 20 families who have awaited justice through the commission.

"...we call on the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives to intervene in this grave matter and ensure the families are provided with the findings of the DDCom investigations," the statement said.

DDCom was formed in November 2018 immediately after President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih assumed office. While the it initially assured the public that all investigations would be completed within two years, it has failed to deliver justice in any of the cases after five and a half years.

Blogger Yameen Rasheed was slain in his residence in the capital Male in 2017. He was the lead organiser of the campaign for justice for journalist Ahmed Rilwan Abdulla, who was subjected to enforced disappearance three years before. In September 2019, DDCom announced that Rilwan was killed in August 2014.

Both human rights defenders were critics of successive governments and vehemently countered violent extremism. The two families have been advocating for transparency of the DDCom and swift justice in all cases assigned to the Commission.

The joint statement said it is imperative that matters of public safety and interest be conducted transparently, and that no obstruction be placed in front of families in their quest for justice.

"In addition to having failed early indictments as well as convictions in any of the 24 to 27 cases assigned, we remind the DDCom that it has used public resources and international aid for over five years," it added.

"We believe that the people of the Maldives must know how those funds have been used, and why the prosecutions have not been successful."

The NGOs also noted that while the Presidential Commissions Act places no prohibitions on the Commission on disclosing findings, the DDCom must respect the constitutional right to information of the families.

The statement urged President Muizzu to follow through on his electoral promises of a transparent and accountable government and to ensure the findings of DDCom are shared with the public.