A number of Maldivian residents in Sri Lanka along with activisits, journalists, and well-wishers have gathered outside the Maldivian embassy in Sri Lanka in a demonstration to show solidarity with murdered blogger Yameen Rasheed. 

The demonstration began at around 3:30 pm and those gathered had held red balloons – in recognition of Yameen’s last tweet before his death, a red balloon emoji – and other signs that called for ‘Justice for Yameen’. 

Yameen’s family had also spoken to the press, and a cousin of his had described the murder as an attack on free speech in the Maldives. 

Demonstrators had also called for results in the investigation of missing journalist Ahmed Rilwan’s disappearance as well.

The wife of missing Sri Lankan journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda's was also at the demonstration carrying a sign that read ‘free speech is not a crime’. 

Yameen Rasheed was found with over 14 stab wounds in the stairwell of his home on the 23rd of April. He had reportedly received several death threats from people who have been described as ‘religious’ fanatics.