Over 6,000 sign petition demanding justice for Yumnu

More than 6,000 people have signed a petition calling for justice and a transparent investigation into the incident of 21-year-old Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed, who fell from a building onto the roof of a warehouse in Henveiru in Male'.

The petition, created online, has so far gathered 6,727 signatures.

It calls for the publication of all findings from the investigation and for all those involved to be held accountable. It also urges international human rights organisations to closely monitor the case.

Protests demanding justice for Yumnu and the establishment of an equal and fair state have been ongoing for three nights. Protesters have also outlined a series of demands during the demonstrations.

Raudh Ahmed Zilal, 21, from G. Eriyadhoo, who was with Yumnu at the time, was arrested in connection with the incident. His remand was extended for five days yesterday after he was produced before the Criminal Court.

Police initially said Raudh had no involvement in Yumnu’s fall. However, during court proceedings, police stated that Raudh and Yumnu had an altercation that night.

When questioned shortly after Yumnu’s fall, Raudh reportedly said he did not know her whereabouts and suggested she "might have fallen", although police have not specified to whom he told this to.

Police also told the court that CCTV footage showed Raudh searching for Yumnu after the fall. However, no formal report regarding this has yet been released.

Raudh’s defence lawyer noted that police had publicly stated at a press conference that he was not involved in the fall. The lawyer also said that Raudh holds a responsible position in his workplace and has no prior criminal record.

Police sought Raudh’s arrest citing allegations of possible involvement in Yumnu’s fall, intoxication at the time of the incident, and sexual exploitation.

Investigators have identified those who were with Yumnu on the night she fell from H. Fentoniya onto the adjacent warehouse roof.