Zakiyya’s death: Police use force to obstruct protest demanding justice

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has obstructed and used force against the public who took to the streets to protest, in Holhudhoo island of Noonu atoll, demanding justice in connection with the death of Zakiyya Moosa.

On Friday evening, several residents of Holhudhoo island raised their voices calling for justice in Zakiyya's death case.

According to the protesters, even before the protest began, several police officers operating in the island swarmed the streets and taped off the area including the Council Office and Police Station, blocking public access.

The protesters have alleged that Zakiyya's death case has been misrepresented and that efforts are being made to protect the interests of certain individuals. They have accused the police of lying in the case and called for the resignation of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Commissioner of Police Ali Shujau, and Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan. The protesters also noted that even Minister Ihusaan has acknowledged that there was negligence in the police investigation of Zakiyya's death, and stated that they no longer have any hope for justice under the Muizzu administration.

In addition to this, the protesters called on the police to stand up for justice and speak the truth.

When the protesters gathered near the Holhudhoo Police Station, the police attempted to push them back. In the process, the protest escalated, and scenes of confrontation between the police and the public were witnessed.

While footage shows a police officer trying to grab and twist the arm of an elderly person, other young people in the area surrounded the elderly person and separated him from the police officer. A video has also been circulated on social media showing a police officer hitting someone during the protest. Shortly after, the police officer is seen falling to the ground.

The protesters also claimed that the police have unjustly used force to push a large number of civilians away from the island’s Police Station.

Citing police deception in Zakiyya's case, the island's residents have previously conducted a series of protests as well.

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 island 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.

In a press conference held on 3 December 2024, the police stated that doctors had identified wounds to the neck as the cause of Zakiyya's death.