The family of missing journalist Ahmed Rilwan has expressed concern that opposition leaders are urging authorities to allow jailed former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb to leave abroad for medical treatment.

In a press statement on Saturday, the family highlighted that Adeeb is needed for questioning regarding Rilwan’s alleged kidnapping.

In the statement, the family said that Adeeb has been linked to suspects in the case of Rilwan’s disappearance and that if the former vice president is to flee after leaving the country for treatment, it would hinder any attempt at a reinvestigation.

The statement also notes that Adeeb is alleged to have been involved in major acts of government corruption that had greatly damaged the country and that this is reason enough to conclude that he will attempt to flee if given the chance.

The family also called on authorities to treat every prisoner equally by granting them the right to medical treatment and to bring in specialists and resources if any detainee needs medical attention that is unavailable in the country.

Noting that other high-profile prisoners had also fled the country after they went abroad for treatment, the family expressed disappointment that those calling for Adeeb to be granted permission to travel abroad include leaders of the opposition coalition.

The family urged the opposition coalition to use their opportunity to solve the numerous cases of human rights abuses in a thoughtful manner and to not allow Adeeb, who is alleged to have played a large role in those abuses, the chance to flee the country.