Commission on Investigation of Murders and Enforced Disappearances presented the report on its investigation into the disappearance of journalist Ahmed Rilwan to the Speaker of Parliament and former president, Mohamed Nasheed, on Monday.
The report was handed over by the commission's president, Husnu al-Suood, during a meeting held at the parliament. Nasheed distributed copies of the report to all the parliamentary group leaders.
Suood revealed at a press conference held Sunday that evidence indicated Rilwan was murdered by a local group affiliated with al-Qaeda, a militant extremist multi-national organisation.
According to the commission's president, Rilwan was abducted near his apartment in reclaimed suburb Hulhumale'. Rilwan was then transferred to a dinghy and killed on a marine vessel. However, Suood said that disparities between different testimonies prevented the aforementioned evidence from being sufficient to prove a murder.
Speaker Nasheed called for the swift prosecution of perpetrators, and to eliminate the "dark nation" in Maldives, referring to the presence of extremist groups in the country. He further urged the police to carry out their full mandate and responsibilities with regards to the situation.
The speaker also met with Rilwan's family.
Suood had shed light on extremist groups and their movements in Maldives during the press conference on Sunday, sharing that they were involved in major robberies and financing of terrorism. He stated that the commission has identified the perpetrators and their businesses as well.
He expressed concern, stating that the level of religious extremism in Maldives was greater than previously estimated and that widespread cooperation is needed to remedy the issue.
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