Presidential commission questions Adeeb, over Dr. Afrasheem and Rilwan's cases

The Presidential Commission on Murders and Enforced Disappearances has questioned former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb, over the murder of parliamentarian Dr. Afrasheem Ali and disappearance of journalist Ahmed Rilwan.

The commission revealed this via Twitter on Tuesday, saying that it has taken the former vice president’s statement in both cases.

It added that he was questioned over the “several allegations against him” in the two cases.

Dr. Afrasheem was stabbed to death in the stairwell of his house in Male’ in October 2012. While two were charged, Hussain Humaam was the only one convicted of his murder; he was sentenced to death.

Rilwan was last seen purchasing a ticket to Hulhumalé at the ferry terminal in capital city Malé on August 8th, 2014. The police arrested four suspects in September. The Criminal Court had then released one suspect and placed another under house arrest. Two suspects were later arrested and tried for conspiring to abduct the journalist, but were acquitted by the Criminal Court due to “insufficient evidence.”

President of the Commission, Husnu Suood had in April stated that they have learnt the motives behind “a number of deaths” that are being investigated.

However, he said that “lack of statutory authority” has been an obstacle to prosecuting them.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih established the Commission on Murders and Enforced Disappearances on November 17, the same day that he took oath of office.

At the end of December, the Commission revealed that it was investigating 25 cases, including that of Dr. Afrasheem, Rilwan and murdered blogger Yameeen Rasheed.

Suood had said that their investigations show a “link” in all three cases, adding that they have the “same pattern.”