Attorney General Ahmed Usham has denied former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's (Ibu) comment that those who were apprehended in the disappearance of journalist Ahmed Rilwan were released by the current government.

During last night's media briefing after former Presidents Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih after they had signed an agreement to work for the defense of journalism and freedom of speech, Solih stated that detailed efforts were conducted in the case of Rilwan's death, and that suspects had been arrested. He also stated that they had been released by the current government while they were held in remand.

"Three or four suspects were arrested after a detailed investigation was conducted into journalist Rilwan's case, with them having been held in remand. The current government then came in and released them," said Solih.

Usham took to X to respond to Solih and stated that it is a "definite lie."

"They were released during the 2023 Presidential Election. The latest suspect to have been released was on 19th September 2023. It is saddening to see that the citizens are being led astray when the proof can be clearly seen," said Usham in the social media post.

Along with Solih, Yameen also commented last night regarding those who should be responsible for the investigation of unsolved murders and kidnappings and seeking justice for the families who were affected, with that responsibility falling onto the police and the Parliament. 

During the press conference after the three Presidents met since their decision to defend journalism and freedom of speech, questions were asked regarding such situations during their governments.

After highlighting that the disappearance of journalist Rilwan and the murder of blogger Yameen Rasheed did not see the light of justice, a journalist asked if it would be repeated should any of the three Presidents take office in the future.

While answering the question, Yameen stated that what should be taken into account is whether the President has tasked the police to investigate such cases, and that if the police are not doing their job properly, to hold them accountable, which is the responsibility of the Parliament.

"Investigations were started into Rilwan's case, and the other cases as well during my government. I left office before the investigation could be completed. What happened afterward is what was said by Solih just now. Is this not something the police need to do? If the investigation does not move forward from the police's end, the Parliament needs to hold them accountable," said Yameen.

Even though he said this, the police are not an institution that answers only to the Parliament. It is an institution that is under the executive powers of the state. During Yameen's government, the Parliament had a majority of the then-ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM).

Nevertheless, Yameen said that he sees this as a failure on the part of the Parliament.