Public takes to the streets to seek justice for Yumnu

A large crowd has gathered near the police institution to protest and demand justice for 21-year-old Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed, who was found fallen on a rooftop adjacent to H. Fentenoy.

Participants of the protest, carried out under the name “Dhulen Nukuraanan” which loosely translated as “will not back down”, have raised questions about who will be held accountable for the incident. Many young people have joined the protest to seek justice for Yumnu.

In the protest that took place near the Adam Haleem Criminal Investigation building, participants voiced their concerns, asking where are the police officers assigned to investigate the incident were and claiming that the police have failed in their investigation. They also demanded the arrest of those who left the victim to die, urged the arrest and of all parties involved in the case, and called to ensure justice.

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) held a press conference on Thursday, after coming under fire due to the incident.

At the presser, Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau said that he acknowledges the investigation into the incident has been delayed and that they allowed the protest on Wednesday night to demonstrate the seriousness of these matters to all police officers. The CP also stated that the police will accept such sentiments.

In connection with the case, several members of the public have been calling for the CP's resignation.

Further, many are criticizing the police institution's statements suggesting that Yumna jumped on her own. According to the police's account, seven other people were with Yumna that night. This included a total of three women and five men.

While the police have presented much information related to the incident with evidence, they showed CCTV footage with audio as evidence. In connection with the case, Raud Ahmed Zilal, who was with Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed at the time of the incident, has since been arrested under a court order.

The police continue to face widespread criticism, with many accusing the institution of conducting a slow and inadequate investigation.