Raudh sentenced in Yumnu case, but police yet to record her statement

Raudh Ahmed Zilal, who was with Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed when she fell from the roof of H. Mitaz in Male' on April 18, was sentenced on Wednesday. Police have revealed that despite the sentencing, Yumnu’s statement has still not been taken.  

The Criminal Court concluded the case after Raudh pleaded guilty to charges of failing to provide assistance to a person in need without reasonable cause. The basic punishment for the charge is one month and six days in jail. However, the court commuted his sentence to 27 days after his guilty plea. Since Raudh’s pre-trial detention exceeded the sentence, he will not serve additional time.  

Police confirmed Thursday that seven months after the incident, Yumnu’s statement remains untaken, citing inadequate cooperation with the investigation.  

Authorities initially said Yumnu fell on her own. But her family has disputed this, quoting her as saying it was not her fault. They also claimed that besides Raudh, four other individuals were present at H. Fentenoy house when the incident occurred.  

Police said they had attempted to obtain Yumnu’s statement from the outset, but her health condition prevented it. After treatment at IGMH, she was transferred to Malaysia for further care. Maldivian police traveled there but were unable to record her statement.  

The case later escalated into a dispute among youths accused of partying, with allegations involving Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen and members of his family.  

Although eight passports were seized during the investigation, only Raudh, who was last seen with Yumnu, was arrested and charged.  

Youths involved have accused senior government officials of influencing the investigation, claiming police cannot be trusted. Two individuals have since been charged over related protests, which the opposition has condemned.