Presidential Commission formed to investigate Yumnu's fall

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu last night established a Presidential Commission to investigate the case of Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed.

Yumnu was discovered fallen onto the roof of a warehouse from what is believed to be the 9th floor of adjacent H. Fentoniya on April 18.

The commission was formed under Article 155 (o) of the Maldives Constitution.

Members of the commission are former Attorney General Dr Mohamed Munavvar, Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon Dr Mohamed Habeeb and former Vice Chief of Defence Force Ahmed Mohamed.

Dr Munavvar has been appointed President of this 'Special Commission of the President'.

The resolution to establish the commission states that the purpose of the commission is to investigate the case of a woman fallen onto a roof in Male', to conduct a free and fair investigation into the case, uncover the truth behind the incident, monitor the work conducted by relevant authorities to date, take necessary actions relevant to the case, and ensure a just and credible investigation into how the incident occurred.

The commission is invested with the powers to

1. Seek assistance from all State institutions and other entities for their investigation and to fulfil their duties

2. Bring in relevant foreign authorities or experts to assist in the Commission's investigation and work

3. Using the authority of law enforcement bodies as defined in the Criminal Justice Act to fulfil the Commission's reponsibilities

4. Applying to court for arrest orders and other criminal investigation related orders

5. Summoning and questioning any persons deemed necessary, obtaining or ordering submission of any documents or other evidence related to the investigation

6. In the instance that any other entities have conducted an investigation into the case, the Commission can order their findings, documents and evidence be shared with them

The Presidential Commission has been formed at a time when there is heavy public criticism against the Police for their handling of the case, with allegations of cover-ups and discrimination levied against them.

Yumnu fell on the roof of a warehouse located at H. Mitaaz. Police have said that she fell from a fanlight in the 9th floor stairwell of adjacent H. Fentoniya.

Raudh Ahmed Zilal, who accompanied Yumnu at. H. Fentoniya in the hours before the incident, has now been arrested, with the court having placed him in remand in custody for five days.

An additional 8 persons identified as having accompanied Yumnu earlier on the night have had their phones seized, and travel bans placed against them.

While the public continue to question the credibility of the Police investigation, and into the third consecutive night of protests, then Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau resigned last night.

Prosecutor General Abbas Shareef has also last night instructed an investigation into whether any Police officers acted in violation of Police Act and regulations in the investigation into Yumnu's case.