Publicizing case details for ‘death and disappearances' commission, postponed

The presidential inquiry commission tasked with investigating deaths and disappearances have postponed publicizing the list of cases they are handling.

The commission announced on Thursday that while they were to publicize the list on 27th December, this has been postponed to Sunday, 30th December.

Commission chair Husnu Suood has confirmed that they are investigating the disappearance of journalist Ahmed Rilwan, the brutal murder of blogger Yameen Rasheed, and the murder of 25-year-old Mohamed Anas, who was stabbed to death in capital city Malé. The commission says it ‘aims to conclude all cases within the next three months’.

President Ibrahim Solih established the commission to investigate unresolved deaths since January of 2012 to his inaugural date November 17th, this year. Members of the commission also include lawyer Fareesha Abdulla, journalist Misbaah Abbas, and Adam Ibrahim.

Government aligned lawmakers have submitted and endorsed a bill giving the commissions statutory authority to order arrests, searches, and ceasure of assets. However, while the bill passed committee review, much of this authority has been reduced.

Husnu Suood told local newspaper Mihaaru that delay in passing the bill, which remains on the agenda awaiting a vote while parliament is in recess, will slow their investigations.