Minister Ihusan addressed growing concerns over the handling of the case. Residents questioned why a post-mortem was not conducted, especially given Zakiyya's visible injuries.
Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan has said that the police made a mistake in not conducting an autopsy on Zakiyya Moosa, who was found dead with injuries in Noonu atoll Holhudhoo six months ago.
During a visit to the island last night, where he and police officials met with residents amid ongoing protests, Minister Ihusan addressed growing concerns over the handling of the case. Residents questioned why a post-mortem was not conducted, especially given Zakiyya's visible injuries.
Ihusan said that a foreign professional who had conducted multiple autopsies examined the body in Maldives. However, he acknowledged that the decision to forgo an autopsy abroad was not the right one.
"I understand that you [residents] consider him just an ordinary pathologist, but he has conducted many autopsies before and was available in the Maldives for other work. However, I do not believe it was the best decision to leave out an autopsy," Ihusan said.
"If she had been sent for an autopsy that day, we would not be having this conversation now," he added.
Zakiyya’s body was initially brought to Male' on the night of her death for investigation but was later sent back to Holhudhoo.
Minister Ihusan also acknowledged possible police negligence in handling the case and apologized for the delay in addressing public concerns.
The lack of arrests in the case has fueled fear among residents. In response, Ihusan said he would consult with relevant authorities to provide psychological support to the community.
The Minister said that the investigation, which involves foreign assistance, is still awaiting a key report. He assured residents that authorities will consider their concerns before concluding the case.
"The goal is to complete an investigation that brings both you and us closure," he said.
The National Integrity Commission and the Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) are also investigating the case. Minister Ihusan has said that he would provide full cooperation with these agencies.
Zakiyya Moosa was found dead on September 10 last year near a storeroom adjacent to her house’s kitchen. Residents have made serious allegations against her husband, but he has not publicly commented on the case.
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