Charges filed against two youth protest leaders in Yumn Rasheed case

Charges have been filed against Abdullah Mahzoom Majid and Aishath Shiman, who were actively involved in a youth-led protest demanding justice for Hawwa Yumn Rasheed, the young woman who fell from a building in Malé earlier this year.

The protest followed the incident that took place in April, during which demonstrators accused police of negligence in handling the case. Mahzoom and Shiman were arrested when police dispersed the protest in Malé. Their detentions were initially extended by the court, though both were later released.

The Prosecutor General’s Office has now charged Mahzoom with assault and Shiman with obstructing a law enforcement officer.

In response to the public outcry, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu formed a special presidential commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding Yumn's fall. The commission later concluded that police had been negligent in aspects of the investigation.

Raudh Ahmed Zilaal, the individual last seen with Yumn on the night of the incident, was also arrested and has since been formally charged. Although he was initially taken into custody, he has now been released.

Yumn was seriously injured in the fall and received medical treatment abroad.