Yameen Rasheed murder hearing cancelled for ‘administrative reasons’

The criminal court Wednesday cancelled a hearing in the murder trial of slain blogger Yameen Rasheed for “administrative reasons.”

It was scheduled for 3pm, but was cancelled in the morning.

Court spokesman Ibrahim Zahid told the Maldives Independent it was cancelled due to “administrative reasons” but refused to give details. He said another hearing would be scheduled “as soon as possible.”

Seven suspects have been charged for the blogger’s murder.

Ismail Haisham Rasheed, Ahmed Zihan Ismail, Ismail Rasheed, Mohamed Dhifran, Hassan Shifaz, and Hussain Ziyad are charged with felony murder and remain in state custody. The offence carries the death penalty.

A seventh suspect, Mohamed Yashfau Rasheed, was charged with aiding and abetting murder and transferred to house arrest.

An open hearing in the murder trial has yet to be held. It has been more than a year since the case was sent for prosecution. Preliminary hearings were held behind closed doors from last September to April this year.

The first open hearing had been scheduled for June 7, but it was cancelled 15 minutes before it was due to begin and rescheduled for today.

The hearing’s cancellation was condemned.

Hearing of @yaamyn murder case cancelled again. These institutions acknowledge that a fair investigation has been pending. I wonder why these pretend play hearings are scheduled in the first place.
Are we as a family to give up? This isn't happening. Ever. #JusticeForYaamyn https://t.co/Zl8OCEb5mc

— YumRashyd 🎈❓ (@YumnaRashyd) June 27, 2018

Today's hearing has been cancelled yet again. What is the reason? @judiciarymv

— Aisha🎈 (@mysticaish) June 27, 2018

The first open hearing was cancelled the Criminal Court cited absence of defence counsel. Defence counsel claims differently. #OpenTheTrial #JusticeForYaamyn

— Mv Democracy Network (@MDN_mv) June 27, 2018

Talk about safe guarding fundamental rights, Yameen Rasheeds murder trial cancelled without no reason what to ever from the Govement and you expect me to believe this statement you have made! #OpenTheTrial @WeAreYaamyn

— DhivehiRaa (@dhivehiRaa) June 27, 2018

In #Maldives, justice is not flawed or imperfect. It is non-existent. #JusticeForYaamyn #EndImpunity

— Alice in Mordis 🎈 (@ciceline) June 27, 2018

The message is clear.

If you are outspoken, criticise us and refuse to bow down to intimidation, we let you be murdered.

If you are killed and your loved ones seek justice for you, we ensure that they are denied any.#FindMoyameehaa #JusticeForYaamyn #EndImpunity #Maldives

— Alice in Mordis 🎈 (@ciceline) June 27, 2018