Maldives Police Service on Sunday night revealed the identities of three culprits behind the murder of blogger and social media activist Yameen Rasheed which took place last April 23.
In a statement, Police disclosed the names of three men who are accused of actively taking part in Yameen Rasheed’s murder. They are Thaif Ismail Rasheed, 25, Ismail Haisham Rasheed, 21, and Ahmed Zihan Ismail, 22, all of whom are from capital Male.
According to Police, Thaif Ismail Rasheed and Ismail Haisham Rasheed both have past criminal records. Thaif Ismail Rasheed has a record of participating in gang violence with sharp weapons, while Ismail Haisham Rasheed was convicted of mugging.
Shedding light on the efforts of the special team deployed to collect evidence and determine the perpetrators behind Yameen Rasheed’s murder, Police highlighted that the team has analysed over 1,850 hours of surveillance footage collected from security cameras all across the capital. Moreover, the team has also analysed over 40,000 head shots and photographs of people aged 20-40 in search of the culprits, sought expert advice and assistance, and checked the information databases of several institutions.
Police declared that they have identified the perpetrators behind the murder and the investigation is swiftly in progress. There are total seven suspects currently under arrest in connection to the case.
The statement further noted that Police are facing obstructions in their investigation from various parties. Police highlighted that entities unconnected with the investigation have been sharing their own theories on social media while certain lawyers have also attempted to impede the case, leading to the detention and inquiry of one.
However, Police asserted that such obstructions will not be allowed to stop their efforts, declaring that the team has used all resources and taken every step necessary to find and bring the perpetrators to justice.
They further proclaimed that definitive evidence has been found to prosecute the culprits and Police are now working with the Prosecutor General’s Office to press charges.
Yameen Rasheed, 29, of Addu atoll Feydhoo island was found murdered with over 30 stab wounds by the stairway of his apartment building in Male in the early hours of April 23. He had received several death threats prior to his murder, and his family and friends have since organised several rallies and activities to demand justice for Yameen.
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