Son of Zakiyya Moosa, Ali Rizmy, has stated today that the family will file defamation cases against those who are spreading false accusations against Zakiyya's husband in relation to her death.

Zakiyya was found dead in her residence in Noonu atoll Holhudhoo at around 10am on September 10, 2024 with severe injuries to her neck.

Some residents of Holhudhoo accuse Zakiyya's husband of being involved in her death. Police, however, have earlier said that there is no evidence of any persons being involved in Zakiyya's death.

Zakiyya's immediate family have until now remained silent on the case, and on the allegations being raised against her husband, Mohamed Rasheed Umar.

However, Rizmy spoke to media for the first time today, seven months after Zakiyya's death, claiming there is intolerable harassment and false accusations against the immediate family from residents of the island.

Rizmy told Mihaaru News that the family has been on the receiving end of mockery and harassment from residents to the point where it has become unbearable to continue living on the island. He further alleged that groups of people are harassing and threatening his father on the streets.

Rizmy said that they had avoided making public statements even when false allegations were being raised against their father because Police was conducting an active investigation in to the case, and because lawyers had also advised them to remain silent.

He said that now, statements being released in the name of the family has led to creating further confusion amongst the public.

"I am talking about this today because things have gotten out of hand. Because there are news articles as well creating confusion and spreading misinformation amongst the public. Especially because [our] father is being wrongly accused in the protests, and its gotten to the point where he may be physically assaulted. I believe the public should know the reality in this case," Rizmy said.

Rizmy, Zakiyya's youngest son, said that his mother had three siblings and one half-sibling. However, the statements in the name of the family is being issued by one sister of Zakiyya, he said. He said that he and his siblings had raised concerns that other persons were issuing statements in the name of the family, while it is not being done by Zakiyya's immediate family.

"My mother, father, my brother and myself were leading peaceful lives, there was no toxic culture. The people of the island saw how we lived, they know none of us would have done something like this. So it is very sad that they are raising such allegations," Rizmy said.

Rizmy further said that the protests are also being staged by one sibling of Zakiyya, and a small group of residents from the island. He said that although many had joined the initial protest, they had later decided not to join subsequent protests once they realized the demonstrations were targeted at a specific person.

Rizmy went on to say that the widespread harassment had led to his brother, Moosa Rimzy, who previously lived in the same house as Zakiyya, to leave the island and relocate his family elsewhere. He said that the father, too, has increased trips to Male' so as to avoid staying on the island for long periods.

"The rumours were being spread to the point where it was difficult for my sister in law to go to work. My brother was unable to have a cup of coffee outside in peace. His child was unable to attend school. At school, it is the teachers who are in the front rows of protests, making false allegations, The students are also discussing this case. It was honestly because it became impossible to stay here that my brother decided to move," Rizmy said.

"It's the same for my father. When he is walking on the streets, insults are hurled at him. And then there's all that is being spread on Facebook and social media. The whole case is misrepresented and my father is being defamed," he said.

Rizmy stated that his father continues to face harassment on the streets of Holhudhoo, with the most recent incident having been last night. The family filed a case at the Police, who have extended support.

Rizmy said that at the time of Zakiyya's death, three people had been at home. While this is so, the allegations of involvement are solely against his father, which he said stems from personal contempt.

Rizmy revealed that a few days before her death, Zakiyya had been facing psychological distress, and had travelled to Male' to consult a doctor. Although she was not officially diagnosed, she was taking medication to assist with her issues, according to Rizmy. Rizmy said that the medication appeared to be helping, with his mother seemingly calm after starting on it.

However, Rizmy said that conversations with some residents of Holhudhoo after her death had revealed to him that she had not been well, based on comments she had made in her final days. However, he said she had not mentioned to anyone any thoughts of self harm.

Rizmy said that it is not easy for the family to talk about Zakiyya, which has resulted in allowing space for others to spread falsehoods.