At least 20 organizations from various countries had urged for the transparent proceeding of slain blogger Yameen Rasheed's murder trial.
A joint statement released on Monday with 19 of international organizations along with Maldives Democracy Network, a local NGO; said the case of Rasheed's murder had raised several questions during the probing phase and trial proceedings.
The statement released on Monday had also cited that while the brutal and horrific nature of Rasheed's death had sent tremors into the Maldivian community, the citizens have been longing for answers and the true identity of the culprits. In addition to this the statement noted that citizens are subjected with the right to know of court proceedings in trials.
While Rasheed's murder trial had two hearings til now, both sessions were proceeded in discretion barring media and public.
However Prosecutor General had not conditioned for the full trial be kept discreet but only the initial hearing. Under the new criminal procedure act all cases must have an initial hearing after which the case will proceed at the court floors.
Purposeful killing or murder charges are pressed on Ibrahim Rasheed, Maafannu Thaaif, Ismail Haisham Rasheed, Henveiru Annaarumaage and Ahmed Zihan Ismail, Maafannu Iraasmik as the primary suspects. In addition to this, Hussain Ziyad, Mafannu Kolhufushi East, Hassan Shifaz, Maafannu Kudhehige and Mohamed Dhifran, Sindubad, Gaaf Dhaal atoll Gahdhoo are tried for the murder of Rasheed as well.
The famous social media activist and blogger Rasheed who ran a satirical blog titled "The Daily Panic" was found slain at the stairwell of his apartment building on the early morning of April 22, 2017
