Rilwan’s family pleads with HRCM, NIC for a just investigation

Family of missing Minivan News Journalist Ahmed Rilwan has sent a formal request to Human Rights Commission of Maldives and National Integrity Commission asking them to ensure the investigation into the case is just and free of political influence.

Speaking on behalf of Rilwan’s family, Maldives Independent Journalist Zaheena Rasheed said on Tuesday that they feared investigation into Rilwan’s disappearance could end up like what happened with Dr. Afrasheem Ali’s murder case.

“Police said during their investigation into that case too that it was a premeditated, politically motivated murder. But in that case too, the one who executed the murder, or the one who is suspected of having executed the murder was the only one arrested. Despite it being a politically motivated crime, the real perpetrators behind it have not been found out.

Zaheena said that both HRCM and NIC had influence to ensure investigation into Rilwan’s case was carried out justly, and free of political influence.

“I am very happy President Yameen personally asked Home Minister Umar Naseer to complete investigation into Rilwan’s case as soon as possible. And the Umar Naseer something about re-investigating the case,” she said.

Rilwan’s family sent a letter to President Abdulla Yameen regarding Rilwan’s case, in response to which President Yameen ordered Home Minister Umar Naseer to do whatever was necessary to solve the case and provide closure to his friends and family.

It has been over 2 years since Rilwan disappeared in what many believe to be a kidnapping.