CPJ calls for independent probe into Rilwan

Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has appealed to Maldivian government for an independent probe into disappearance of Minivan News journalist Ahmed Rilwan.

An international organization working on protecting rights of journalists, made the appeal in a letter addressed to Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen.

Expressing concern over the lack of progress made one year into Rilwan’s disappearance, CPJ appealed for government to allow an acceptable independent probe into the case.

CJP said that relevant authorities had not conducted sufficient investigation into Rilwan’s disappearance.

The organization said that it was a highly likely possibility Maldives appear could in a list of dangerous countries like Syria, Russia and Mexico – unless the government allow an independent probe into the case.

Rilwan’s disappearance on August 8, 2014 came after he received repeated threats over his articles in Minivan News and the secular opinions he expressed in the world of social media.

Police have said that Rilwan was last sighted in Hulhumale’ Ferry Terminal in Male’ buying a ticket to go to Hulhumale’ where he has an apartment, on August 8.

With Rilwan’s disappearance still an open case, police have said that all those that had been arrested in the course of their investigation had no connection to Rilwan’s disappearance.

Copies of CPJ’s letter to President Yameen have been sent to Home Minister, Defence Minister, Commissioner of Police and Foreign Minister, as well as various United States human rights missions.