Foundation established in memory of missing journo and murdered blogger

A foundation has been established in memory of missing journalist Ahmed Rilwan, and murdered social media blogger Yameen Rasheed.

The announcement was made jointly by the families of the two friends at a press conference held on Wednesday, on what would have been Yameen's 31st birthday. Rilwan would turn 33 this year.

'Rilwan and Yameen Foundation' was established to keep alive the spirit of the young men by advocating for the same rights that both Rilwan and Yameen relentlessly fought for.

The foundation would advocate for human rights, democracy, freedom of expression, respecting different ideologies, the right to justice and to live respectfully. The foundation would provide educational and training opportunities for people interested in pursuing fields related to the causes.

The statement further read that the perpetrators behind Rilwan's disappearance and Yameen's murder are still unknown, and alleged that influential political leaders and local gangs were attempting to conceal the truth through government entities and courts.

It went on to say that the fact that the bill granting authorities to the special commission established by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to investigate suspicious deaths and enforced disappearances was not approved by the parliament despite three attempts, is proof enough that influential parties were determined to hide the truth.

The families assured that they wold continue to seek answers until justice is established, and acknowledged that a large number of citizens were with them in their journey. The families expressed their heartfelt thanks to all who support them, and said their support added to their determination to seek the truth and establish justice.