Social media activist found dead with 14 stab wounds

A renowned social media activist and blogger was found murdered in the middle of the night Saturday.

Yameen Rasheed, 29, of Addu atoll Feydhoo island, was found with 14 stab wounds on the staircase of his house in capital Male. Some close associates of Yameen reported that Yameen, who worked for Maldives Stock Exchange, had worked until very late Saturday night before walking home.

Police stated that his death was homicide by sharp force. They added in a tweet that their Serious and Organised Crimes department is currently investigating the murder.

Mihaaru has found that Yameen, who had long been criticising government policies and various social issues on social media, was assaulted and murdered after he had officially filed at the police to investigate death threats he had received.

He was also a close friend of Ahmed Rilwan, the journalist of Maldives Independent that was abducted and has been missing for over two years.

Yameen was also behind the wildly popular English blog, “The Daily Panic”, in which he took a satirical take on the politics and issues of the Maldives.

His murder has sparked outcry as people took to social media, expressing worry and concern over the safety of the people.

The lawmaker of Kendhoo constituency and lawyer, Ali Hussain, said in a tweet, “Nobody in Maldives can get justice under this brutal regime. Stand up and fight for justice. Justice to Yaameen Rasheed.”

Three former presidents have also condemned his brutal murder on social media. Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom said in a tweet, "Deeply shocked by the killing of social media activist Yameen Rasheed. May Allah bless his soul! His murderers must be bought to justice."

His successor Former President Mohamed Nasheed wrote, "A brave voice, brutally silenced. Only an impartial & open investigation with international participation can provide justice for @yaamyn" while Former President Mohamed Waheed said that he was "angered" to receive the news of Yameen's murder and called for an independent investigation.

Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that there were 24 stab wounds instead of 14 on Yameen Rasheed's body. We apologise for the mistake.