Children’s Ombudsperson Urges Public Not to Share Images of Deceased Six-Year-Old

The Children’s Ombudsperson’s Office has urged the public and social media users not to share or circulate photographs of six-year-old Ibrahim Azan Suheil, who recently passed away in the Maldives, without the family’s permission. The office stressed that using the images to spread news or for political purposes is inappropriate and warned against further dissemination.

The Ombudsperson’s Office confirmed it is investigating Azan’s death under the Child Rights Protection Act, Article 115, following claims that delays in providing a feeding tube contributed to his passing.

Azan, who had Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, could only be fed via a feeding tube. His family said in a Facebook post that the tube, requested through Aasandha via the State Trading Organisation (STO) in August 2025, was not delivered in time. By the time it arrived, his condition had deteriorated beyond the point where it could be safely administered.

The Health Ministry confirmed it is investigating the death in coordination with relevant agencies. Media reports cited that STO is conducting an internal inquiry, while the National Social Protection Agency (NSPA) confirmed the tube was eventually provided but has not commented on the timing of delivery.

Azan passed away on Wednesday around noon while receiving ICU care. His funeral was held after the Isha prayer the same evening.