AG: Pres. to decide whether report on Rilwan’s disappearance will be shared with family

Attorney General Ahmed Usham, on Sunday night, stated that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu will make the final decision on whether the investigative report into the disappearance of journalist Ahmed Rilwan Abdulla will be shared with his family.

During the ‘Ahaa’ public forum broadcast by state media, Rilwan’s sister, Fathimath Shehenaz, called in to note that the President had previously said at a press conference that the report compiled by the Presidential Commission on Deaths and Disappearances (DDCom) had been handed over to the Attorney General. Shehenaz expressed frustration over the lack of a response despite requesting an appointment with Usham four months ago and said the family wants access to the report.

Responding to her concerns, Usham explained that the previous administration had left the commission’s work incomplete and that, upon assuming office, the President instructed that the investigations be concluded. As a result, the commission’s term was extended until mid-2024. The Attorney General confirmed that several case reports had been completed before the commission was dissolved and were subsequently transferred to his office by the President’s Office. He added that a specialized team within the Attorney General’s Office is currently reviewing the documents.

Regarding Rilwan’s case, Usham clarified that there are "two or three different reports" concerning the matter. He said his office is currently determining which portions can be made public, as the reports contain confidential information obtained from the police. He expects the review to be completed within the next month, after which he will provide legal advice to the President.

"I believe it is the President who will decide on handing over the report to the family. I will present my advice to him," the Attorney General stated.

Usham also apologized to Shehenaz for the delay in meeting her and said he would meet with Rilwan’s family this week to provide specific details regarding the case.

On June 26, 2022, Ismail Abdul Raheem (Isu), Ahmed Ismail (Ahandhu), and Ahmed Muaz (Gut Mua) were taken into custody in connection with Rilwan’s case. They were arrested under court orders on allegations of planning and facilitating acts of terrorism linked to the abduction and murder of Rilwan, as well as the murder of blogger Yameen Rasheed.

However, all three suspects were subsequently released after the court ruled that the charges could not be proven. Ahandhu was released on June 22, 2023, followed by Isu on July 12, 2023, and Mua on September 19, 2023, during the presidential election period.

According to a report previously made public by the Presidential Commission, Rilwan was abducted near his apartment on the night of August 8, 2014. The report stated that he was forced into a car, transferred to a dinghy, and later taken aboard a sea vessel, where he was murdered and his body disposed of at sea.