8 August 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we mark eleven years since Rilwan was abducted and forcefully disappeared, we remind the People\u2019s Majlis of the Maldives and the international community that consecutive governments have not only failed to bring perpetrators of this serious violation of human rights to justice, but have also acted to derail justice and protect them. We call on you to hold the government and individual public officials accountable for these actions and in-actions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n From Rilwan\u2019s abduction on 8 August 2014 until the end of President Yameen Abdul Gayyoom\u2019s term in 2018, crucial evidence was mishandled, made public, and suspects allowed to flee the country. Witnesses faced intimidation, and government officials were alleged of attempting to forge Rilwan\u2019s passport to support false claims that he had left the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2018, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih made justice for Rilwan part of his presidential election campaign. Although he formed the Deaths and Disappearances Commission (DDCom), he failed to deliver on his pledge. Weeks before he stepped down, Solih granted clemency to key individuals suspected of involvement in Rilwan\u2019s enforced disappearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three suspects charged for terrorism following the DDCom\u2019s investigation into Rilwan\u2019s enforced disappearance had their cases dismissed by the Criminal Court in 2023. The Prosecutor General chose not to appeal these decisions and has not stated a reason for this choice. Upon completion of its term, the DDCom did not share the findings of their investigations with Rilwan\u2019s family or the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In May 2024, President Mohamed Muizzu\u2019s government promised to release the DDCom investigation report. However, the government still withholds the report and has not given any information to the family despite multiple requests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The government of Maldives must address concerns about justice and transparency in the case of Ahmed Rilwan Abdullah’s enforced disappearance. The findings of the DDCom must be made public, and all responsible parties must be held accountable through due process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ENDS<\/p>\n\n\n\n