Letter by Rilwan's family: "What happened to your tearful promises, President?"

The family of abducted and murdered journalist, Ahmed Rilwan, has released a public statement questioning what happened to the tearful promises of justice by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih for the murders of Rilwan and Yameen Rasheed.

In the public statement, the family declared that they are forced to appeal to the public once again, highlighting that over a year has passed without justice despite the President's pledge to find the murderers of Rilwan and Yameen.

They raised questions regarding the promise the president made during his inaugural address where he welled up with emotion as he spoke of re-opening investigations into the disappearances and unsolved murders of individuals. The family stated that the president's pledge gave them false hope and that they have realised that the administration's promise was simply a political tool and an attempt to gain more votes.

Stating that establishing the Presidential Commission on Deaths and Disappearances (DDCOM) does not constitute fulfilling the president's promise, the family highlighted that over a year has passed since the commission was founded with no resolution to the case.

Further, they question the status of the case, revealing that none of the authorities has shared information or updated the family on the case with the latest update being the news of charges against two suspects sought by the commission being sent back by the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) for insufficient investigation.

The family further highlights that Maldives Democracy Network (MDN), the organisation which played the biggest role in advocating for justice in Rilwan's murder, has since been dissolved. Moreover, they claim that the family has undergone further suffering due to pressure from extremists and politicians, adding that the administration should publicly disclose the steps, if any, that have been taken against extremists as the final victim of extremism is the average citizen.

Additionally, they questioned why the police did not announce the release of the person issuing death threats via social media despite announcing his arrest. They also question why authorities are hesitant to take action against religious "scholars" that perpetuate extremism and promote bloodshed and chaos within society.

In regard to this letter, spokesperson for the president's office Ibrahim Hood stated that he cannot confirm whether the president received the letter until Sunday.