Maldives Police Services (MPS) has stated it has started investigating the claims against two police officers, after the Presidential Commission on Investigation of Murder and Enforced Disappearances published its conclusions regarding the fate of missing journalist Ahmed Rilwan Abdulla.
A press statement from MPS stated the Professional Standards command is questioning the two officers who attempted to tamper with the evidence on Rilwan's case. Necessary actions would be taken against the officers after the investigations, according to MPS.
After the commission published its conclusions, MPS further expressed any misconduct, ignorance or irresponsibility from police officers will be thoroughly investigated, and any officers found guilty will be prosecuted. The report published by the commission indicated two officers attempted to fabricate evidence that Rilwan had died fighting in Syria, by trying to obtain a copy of his passport from Maldives Immigration.
The statement explains all evidence related to Rilwan's abduction was shared with the commission investigating the case, immediately after the commission was instituted last November. MPS also revealed further evidence and operational support were also shared with the commission. The police apologised to Rilwan's family for not being able to provide the support and services expected by his family and friends.
Rilwan was abducted near his residence in Hulhumale', taken to a boat, beheaded and thrown to the sea in August 2014, according to the summarised report compiled by the commission.