Afrasheem murder case was expedited as a result of National Movement

National Movement Member Abbas Adil Riza has said that the investigation and trial of the murder of religious scholar, former Ungoofaaru MP Dr Afrasheem Ali, was expedited as a result of protests held in this regard by the National Movement.

Abbas said this while speaking at a rally held by the National Movement for murder victims, at Artificial Beach last night.

He said that the National Movement had, on several occasions, called to expedite the investigation and press charges against the perpetrators in relation to the murder of Dr Afrasheem.

“We called from this podium, to expedite the investigation of the murder of Dr Afrasheem. And we said that we would take to the streets if the case is not filed to court within three weeks. This resulted in the efforts picking up speed. And this trial has provided additional pieces of evidence for several other trials held in the Maldives previously. What’s better evidence than a confession? So the trial has been very successful. This is because you, beloved citizens, citizens of this National Movement, held on to this without letting go,” he said.

He said that the Constitution obligates every citizen to stand up for issues such as this one, and called on the people to participate in protests held in relation to issues faced by the nation related to upholding the law.

The rally was also attended by President of Adhaalath Party Imran Abdullah, Deputy President of Adhaalath Party Dr Mauroof Hussain, National Movement Member Sobah Rasheed, President of Civil Society Coalition Mohamed Didi and Deputy President of Civil Society Coalition Abdullah Mohamed.

Out of the two suspects against whom charges were pressed in relation to the murder of Dr Afrasheem, Hussain Humaam of H. Lobby has confessed to the murder in court and also provided information on the people involved in planning and executing the murder.

Humaam did not appoint a lawyer to represent him, unlike Ali Shaan of H. Hicoast, whose lawyer, after Shaan denied the charges, has said that a detailed defence can only be presented after receiving the documents related to the case.

The police said that efforts are ongoing to find and press charges against the people who planned and provided the funds for the murder of Dr Afrasheem.