Zakiyya's death case: home minister says there was police negligence

Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan has stated that he believes there was negligence in the investigation conducted by the Maldives Police Service (MPS) into the death of Zakiyya Moosa, whose body was found with injuries in Holhudhoo island of Noonu atoll.

Zakiyya was found dead with injuries on 10 September 2024. Since then, the police have been conducting an investigation into the case. However, several have expressed concerns about some of the statements made by the police and the way the police investigation is being conducted.

In connection with this, protests have been held in the isalnd on several occasions. Recently, as pressure from the island's residents increased, a team including Home Minister Ihusaan and Police Commissioner Ali Shujau visited the island on Tuesday. They also met with the residents of the island.

While addressing the residents' concerns at the meeting, the home minister said that he accepts the police negligence highlighted by the residents. He also said that some things have unfolded due to negligence.

In addition to this, the home minister has stated that there is a specific department within the police that investigates if something happens. He also noted that there are two independent institutions in the Maldives that investigate such matters. Similarly, the home minister mentioned that in some cases, the People's Majlis also reviews how the police have acted in such cases.

Therefore, the home minister has also stated that they will not withhold any cooperation that needs to be given by the police to any of these stages.

Speaking further, the home minister has also said that the police decision not to conduct an autopsy on Zakiyya was wrong. He added that if the woman’s autopsy had been conducted that day, they wouldn't even need to talk about these issues today.