The presidential Commission on investigation of Murders and Enforced Disappearances (DDCom) on Tuesday stated that justice was nearer for abducted journalist Ahmed Rilwan over new developments in the case, while conveying concerns as the murder investigation of blogger Yameen Rasheed remains cold.
According to local media Mihaaru, DDCom's Vice President Fareesha Abdulla stated that Rilwan's forensic report along with new evidence will be shared with the Prosecutor General's (PG) Office.
She further noted that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent State of Public Health Emergency caused delays in closing the case, which DDCom had hoped would near conclusion by the end of April. The commission is unable to conduct interviews amidst the restrictive measures.
"In reference to the commission's work and its findings, we predict that we are heading towards justice", said Fareesha.
DDCom had pressed charges against Mohamed Mazeed and Saamith Mohamed in connection with the murders of Rilwan, Yameen and former MP Afrasheem Ali. The pair are suspected to be involved in running extremist organizations and conducting such activities, and are accused of having masterminded the three interlinked murders, finds the special investigative report by DDCom.
However, citing inadequate investigations, the PG Office in January rejected and sent the three cases back to DDCom for further investigation.
As a result of the ongoing trial over Yameen's brutal murder, DDCom's Vice President expressed concerns with the inability to continue its investigation.
The families of Rilwan and Yameen earlier this year, in a letter addressed to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, expressed concern over the state's lack of efforts in finding the perpetrators behind the crimes.
In the letter that was disclosed to the public, the families requested the government to reveal the truth instead of providing false hope.
The Presidential Commission assured that the cases will be resubmitted to PG Office for prosecution and that they are in dialogue with the families in consideration of their concerns.
A duration of two years was granted to conclude the investigations of all the cases submitted to the commission. During its early days, the commission revealed that a total of 29 cases were being investigated.
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