Maldives Independent
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Politics

Presidential commission appointed to probe woman's fall as protests continue in Malé

An independent inquiry was among the protesters' demands.

27 Apr, 3:50 PM

Maldives Independent

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday night established a three-member commission to investigate the fall of a young woman from a nine-storey building on April 18. 
An independent inquiry into the incident was among 10 demands of youth-led demonstrations sparked by an alleged police coverup of the circumstances surrounding the woman’s fall. The incident occurred following a party hosted by a minister’s nephews and attended by a member of the President’s Office communications staff. Police initially denied their involvement, at an unusual late night press conference in which they also revealed the identity of the victim.
Chaired by former attorney general Dr Mohamed Munavvar, the Special Presidential Commission of Inquiry is “mandated to ascertain the facts surrounding the incident, review the actions taken by relevant institutions, identify necessary measures, and ensure a fair and impartial inquiry,” according to the President’s Office. 
The other members of the commission include Ahmed Mohamed - a retired brigadier general - and Dr Mohamed Habeeb. The commission’s powers include seeking arrest warrants, summoning individuals for questioning, and obtaining documents and evidence from any institution or investigative body. 
Prior to departing for Malaysia on Sunday morning, President Muizzu insisted on state media that the commission would be allowed to operate independently.
He acknowledged “genuine concerns among youth” about a coverup to shield individuals with political connections. He then blamed the opposition for taking advantage of the crisis and “create political instability”, urging the demonstrators to be wary of such efforts.
“Don’t give the opportunity to anyone to incite unrest in the country, that is not in the interest of any of us as individuals,” he appealed. 
The protests meanwhile continued in Malé on Saturday, closing down a section of the capital’s main thoroughfare for the fourth consecutive night even as the police commissioner announced his resignation. His initial replacement, Deputy Commissioner Faruhad Fikury, had been accused of destroying evidence in a rape case in 2014. An hour later, his appointment was rescinded. The new police commissioner is Ismail Naveen, who has been leading the investigation into the woman’s fall.
The 21 year-old was medically transferred to Malaysia last night, after a successful fundraising campaign by the woman’s sister raised over MVR700,000 (US$45,000) in just two hours.
The protester’s 10 demands: 

For the police to conduct a fair and transparent investigation

To arrest all suspects associated with the crime

For the Police to explain the inconsistencies in the footage shown

For all evidence regarding the investigation to be released in a transparent manner

For a formal apology from the police, both to the family and the public, for lying about their findings

For an independent inquiry into the conduct of the police over the course of the investigation

For the immediate resignation of Commissioner of Police Shujau, Transport Minister Ameen, and Home Minister Ihsaan.

A formal apology from president Muizzu, for comments made that encourage victim blaming, as well as his defense of the police

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