NEWS & VEWS

Muawiyath's death under investigation

DP 25/03/2005-The late Muawaiyath Mahmood who was arrested under suspicion of consuming narcotic drugs, has been reportedly died in Maldives prison during interrogation. Consequently, there had been reports suspecting him to be murdered by the police. But these reports certainly lack evidential grounds. 

According to a press release by the President's Office on 13^th March, the president has appointed a Special Committee to investigate allegations of abuse of a detainee. It also said that the President appointed this Special Committee to conduct as independent investigation into allegations of abuse of a detainee, and that the committee consists of three appointed members by the President. 

The formal opposition to Gayoom's government; the MDP has filed this case as a State organized murder. According to the news which has been published by MDP's mouthpieces Dhivehi Observer and Minivan News, Muawaiyath was killed and it was not a natural death. 

So far, there had been no updates about the Presidential investigation despite the fact that MDP keeps recalling this custodial death every now and then. 

As for the latest updates made by the MDP, the government has now started harassing Muawiyath's father. However, the 'Reporters without Facts' do have their 'impact' on the society, especially on the common man. 

At this critical juncture, DP believes that the government shall take necessary steps to address this matter and the investigation report be published quickly. It will be our pleasure to hear the government's say on this matter because murdering detainees in the prisons of Maldives is no longer a miracle. 

DP can finally reveal the fact that no one has any right to accuse another of murder unless associated with proper evidence because everyone is innocent until proven guilty.

Sharing the grief of Muawiyath’s death with his family, DP would present its honest advice to Muawiyaths father, to overrule his emotions and not to say that his son was murdered unless or otherwise he could present such evidence to prove his say. This does not mean that he cannot strive to investigate the case of his son's unexpected death while in custody. Of course he can, but through the legal process and with respect to the law. 

May Allah be with those who are patient and may His mercy be upon Muawiyath's soul.

Ends