Protesters Brave Heavy Rain to Call for Justice and Accountability

The youth-led “Dhuleh Nukuraanan” protest continued for a fifth consecutive night last night, with demonstrators again taking to Majeedhee Magu despite heavy rainfall. The nightly demonstrations, growing steadily in size, have seen young protestors voicing frustration over what they describe as a system rife with injustice and nepotism. Braving difficult weather conditions, the protestors showed resilience and unwavering determination to press for answers and reform.

On April 18, 2025, a 21-year-old woman was found on the roof of a warehouse in Henveiru, Male’. The police later revealed she fell from the ninth floor of Fentoniya around 4:30 a.m. that morning. She was reported to the police around 7:30 a.m. that morning, after which she had been receiving medical care in Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), until she was sent to Malaysia last night for additional medical treatment.

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Regarding this case, the public trust towards the police has decreased. They have been accused of tampering with the investigation, as the public believes the people involved in the case are children of people in high positions, and they have been using their influence to cover up the case. Raudh Ahmed Zilal, the 21-year-old man arrested in this case, is the younger brother of Daudh Ahmed Zilal, the Under Secretary for Digital Strategy at the President’s Office. Daudh was suspended from his position without pay on Thursday, April 25. 

In addition to Raudh, the passports of seven others connected to this case have been seized. They are barred from leaving the country.

The public has been holding serial protests calling for a fair and transparent investigation into this case since Wednesday, April 24. Among the core demands of the movement are a public apology from President Muizz for his remarks, as well as the resignation of Transport Minister Ameen and Home Minister Ali Ihsan. The youth are also calling for a fully transparent police investigation, the arrest and prosecution of all accused individuals, and a thorough explanation regarding inconsistencies in available footage.

Further demands include the disclosure of all evidence obtained during the investigation, an official police apology for allegedly spreading false information, and a comprehensive inquiry into the conduct of the police investigation itself.

As the “Dhuleh Nukuraanan” movement gains momentum, its participants remain adamant that accountability and justice must be achieved, with no signs of the protests abating despite the adverse conditions.