President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated the administration will not be hesitant and back away from taking necessary actions in light of the draft report on the murder of journalist Ahmed Rilwan Abdulla.
After months of investigations, the Presidential Commission on Investigating Murders and Enforced Disappearances has presented two draft reports to the president.
Speaking at a press conference, President Solih said the primary objective of forming a presidential commission is to investigate what had happened to Rilwan, and to bring the criminals to justice in addition to taking preventive measures to ensure such events are never repeated in the country. The president commended the arduous and challenging task the commission has done under the leadership of Husnu Suood. He expressed relief the case has almost arrived at a conclusion.
Furthermore, the president noted the concerns raised by the family, friends and the public once the report was published by the commission. The ministries and other authorities have discussed the steps to be taken regarding such concerns, according to the president. He said the Prosecutor General's Office, Maldives Polices Services (MPS), Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and the presidential commission participated in the discussions and highlighted it is imperative that all institutions work together to take necessary measures to achieve a common goal. He clarified the administration has started taking necessary actions, adding all offices agreed to work together and finalise the report as soon as possible.
President Solih said immediate actions include imposing travel bans, arresting and detaining suspects and accomplices if necessary. The president assured the family and the public that the administration and himself will not hesitate to resort to any action necessary. He further clarified the Terrorism Act and Criminal Procedures Act need amendments to fully execute the measures it requires.
The current Terrorism Act is rather ambiguous as it does not focus on the people who takes part in acts of terrorism, according to President Solih. Hence, the president said he would prefer the amendments to define terror acts, arrest and investigate acts of terrorism. He also raised concerns that the Criminal Procedures Act currently define a maximum period for detention of suspects, adding that hinders the investigation process. He expressed in extreme cases such as the abduction and murders, the police, the prosecutors and the courts must be given the authority to detain the criminals longer.
On conclusion, the president stated the administration has already begun working on the amendments. He requested the parliament to rectify once the administration submits the amendments.