"A gathering was held in my building, two of my nephews were involved"

Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen has acknowledged that a gathering was held in the early hours of Friday, April 18, at the building where he resides, and that two of his nephews were involved in it.

Taking to social media platform ‘X’ on Wednesday night, the minister noted that in connection with the incidents that unfolded that day, the two youths were taken for questioning, and that the building where they gathered is not a property he personally owns. He further explained that this is a building shared with his three siblings, and that the gathering did not take place inside his house or apartment. Ameen also stated that he had no knowledge of the gathering and that he cannot control what happens outside his house or apartment.

He went on to explain that he came to know what had happened there, on the evening of April 18, and that he does not have any mandate in the government related to law enforcement or investigation.

Ameen has also stated that to this day, he has not called or contacted any person from law enforcement agencies or any other government entity to seek updates regarding the investigation of the case, or to influence any investigation. He highlighted that this was done to avoid accusations of exerting influence, and that posts on social media claiming otherwise are “completely baseless” and “false”.

He also expressed his deepest sympathy for the 21-year-old young woman fighting for her life, praying for her quick and full recovery.

In connection with the incident, there has been significant criticism targeted towards Ameen, on social media.