“Dhuleh Nukuraanan” Protesters Reveal Their Demands to the Police

Photography: Fathimath Shafa

Public anger regarding the ongoing investigation of the 21-year-old woman who fell from the ninth floor of a house in Henveiru to the roof of a warehouse last Friday grows, where demonstrators revealed their demands and called on the police for a transparent investigation free from influence last night.

This was the third consecutive night that young people took to the streets to express dissatisfaction and anger at the authorities. 

On April 18, a woman was found on the roof of a warehouse and taken to IGMH for medical care. Since then, one arrest has been made, Raud Ahmed Zilal, 21, the man who was with the woman in the last recorded moments before her fall. Along with him, the identities of seven others have been released by the police, and their passports seized. They are barred from leaving the country. 

Mihaaru news reported that the woman is to be taken to Malaysia on Sunday, for medical treatment.

Serial demonstrations in Male’, “Dhuleh Nukuraanan”, meaning “Will not let go,” have called for a fair investigation.

At last night’s protest, the demonstrators revealed their demands to the Maldives Police Service (MPS):

• To have an independent investigation, free from influence
• To arrest all involved in this case, especially those who declined to provide a urine sample
• For the police to stop lying to the public
• To reveal the evidence transparently to the public
• A public apology from the police to the family of the victim, and the public
• An independent inquiry into this case
• To dismiss others associated with this case who work in the President’s Office
• Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau’s resignation 
• Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen to resign
• Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan’s resignation
• President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to issue a public apology

Presidential Youth Advisory Board’s VP Defends Post

During last night’s protest, Nazaha Nazeem, the Vice President of the Presidential Youth Advisory Board, defended the position. She said everything the protesters are demanding is justifiable, but that she will not submit her resignation even though others have. She said she believes the system can be changed from within.

Speaking at the protest, she said if she resigns, another person will replace her spot. She had added that she is with the youth and that she can no longer “do anything for you guys” if she resigns. 

The President of the Youth Advisory Board, Daudh Ahmed Zilal, brother of Raudh, who is the main person of interest in the case, resigned from his post on Thursday. He has also been suspended as the Under Secretary for Digital Strategy from the President’s Office, without pay.

Huwaina Mohamed Nizam and Nimal Hameed, also members of this board, are reported to have resigned from their posts, expressing dissatisfaction with the police investigation into this case.