Three more members resign from Presidential Youth Advisory Board

Three more members of the Presidential Youth Advisory Board have resigned amid public outrage over the investigation into the fall of a young woman from a building in Male'.

Those who stepped down include Aminath Rabab, representing athletes, and Nimal Hameed and Fathimath Raaia Shareef, representing independent associations. Their resignations follows that of TV presenter Huwaina Mohamed Nihad, who earlier announced her decision to leave the board in solidarity with protesters.

Demonstrators demanding justice for 21-year-old Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed, who fell onto the roof of a warehouse in Henveiru, have also called for the resignation of the entire youth advisory board.

The committee's Vice President, Nazeem, joining the protest last night said he would not resign, stating he wished to remain to push for systemic change. His remarks, however, were met with dissatisfaction from the protesters.

The president of the 13-member board, Daudh Ahmed Zilal, was removed from his position by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu after he tendered his resignation.

Daudh is the brother of Raudh Ahmed Zilal, who was with 21-year-old Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed on the night she fell onto the roof of a warehouse adjacent to H. Fentoniya.

Raudh has been arrested and remanded in custody for five days. Police arrested him on allegations of involvement in Yumnu’s fall, intoxication at the time, and sexual exploitation.

The investigation has identified those who were with Yumnu that night, and their statements have been recorded.

Police told the court that Raudh had said he had an altercation with Yumnu before the fall. However, it remains unclear to whom he made the statement.