Former Presidents Abdulla Yameen and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih have said that police and Parliament must take greater responsibility in investigating unresolved deaths and disappearances and ensuring justice for victims’ families.

The remarks were made during a press conference following a meeting between former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed, Abdulla Yameen and Ibrahim Solih, where they were asked about high-profile cases during their respective administrations.

Journalists raised concerns about the lack of closure in cases such as the disappearance of journalist Ahmed Rilwan and the murder of blogger Yameen Rasheed, asking whether future administrations could guarantee accountability.

Responding, Yameen said the President’s role is to ensure that police are properly tasked with investigations, and that Parliament must hold institutions accountable when failures occur.

“The Rilwan case and others began during my administration, but the investigations were not completed before my term ended,” he said, adding that responsibility also lies with Parliament to scrutinize law enforcement.

He said police are accountable through both the executive and Parliament, and criticized parliamentary oversight bodies for failing to exercise their powers effectively.

Solih, meanwhile, said his administration had established a commission of inquiry into deaths and disappearances, noting that some reports had been completed while others remain restricted due to ongoing court proceedings.

He said the report on the murder of Yameen Rasheed could be made public once legal proceedings conclude, and confirmed that investigations into the disappearance of Ahmed Rilwan had resulted in arrests pending trial.