Family seeks representation on inquiry commission as fall victim undergoes spinal surgery

“The family does not believe that the commission as it is can be independent and fair,” Mohamed Muimin, the woman’s brother-in-law, told the Maldives Independent. "We believe that there should be two people to represent the family on this commission."

Alternately, the family could have one representative and the second spot could be filled by a member of the team organising youth-led protests in Malé, who have been “out on the street without any political influence” for nearly a week, he said. 

Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed was found on a warehouse rooftop on the morning of April 18, nearly three hours after the unexplained fall. After initial denials and ruling out foul play, the police acknowledged the involvement of a staff member from the President's Office communications team and a minister's nephews, sparking youth-led protests over an alleged coverup to shield the "nepo babies." 

Raudh Ahmed Zilal, 21, the young man who was with Yumnu immediately before the fall – captured on CCTV footage on the staircase – was arrested nearly a week after the incident.

According to her brother-in-law, Yumnu underwent spinal surgery on Tuesday to treat a neck fracture. 

“This was the most critical and dangerous surgery she had to face, and [God willing], it went smoothly,” he tweeted. No further surgeries were necessary and Yumnu “might even be able to sit up in a few days,” he said.

Muimin told the Maldives Independent on Wednesday that the family felt they owed updates on her condition to the public, following the generosity of a fundraising effort last Saturday for her medical transfer to Malaysia.

Government health insurance and social security did not cover the full cost of the flight and admission at the Malaysian hospital. The fundraising target of MVR 704,500 (US$45,700) was reached in two hours.  

The brother-in-law reiterated the family’s demand for the sacking of Chief Inspector of Police Mohamed Samih, who was accused of “repeatedly lying” to the family during initial meetings in Malé. The removal would be a “first step” towards establishing the government’s sincerity and admission of mistakes, he said. 

A police officer has contacted the family repeatedly over the past few days seeking a meeting in person, Muimin revealed. 

Meanwhile, the 'Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry' met the press for the first time on Wednesday afternoon. “Considering the sensitivity of the case and public sentiment, our objective is to complete the work very quickly,” said Dr Mohamed Munavvar, a former attorney general who is chairing the five-member commission.

Munavvar acknowledged the family’s lack of confidence in the commission’s impartiality. It was understandable given the failure of previous presidential commissions to produce any results, he said. 

“Someone needs to give a reason for trusting this commission. I myself am wondering how this is going to go,” he said. But the aim is to “ensure that state institutions will investigate this case fairly,” he added.