Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) has released a statement denying the allegations made against their leader former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom by the Presidential Commission Investigating Murders and Enforced Disappearances.
During a press conference held on Monday, the president of the commission, Husnu-al-Suood accused the former president of influencing the police investigation into the abduction of Miniwan news journalist Ahmed Rilwan.
However, PPM has since released a statement denying the allegations, stating that while Yameen has been accused of attempting to 'divert' the police investigation, the information revealed by the commission during Sunday's press conference were obtained by Maldives Police Service during investigations carried out during the tenure of President Yameen.
"The suspects mentioned during yesterday's press conference were arrested and charged following investigation during President Yameen's presidency." the PPM statement said.
The information disclosed by the commission on Sunday has confirmed that President Yameen was not connected to Rilwan's case in anyway, said the statement further.
Suood accused former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyom of attempting to obstruct Rilwan's case. While he did not give much details on his allegations, Suood said the former president hired a 'priest' to perform black magic to divert the police investigation on Rilwan's case.
Suood revealed that former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb had attempted on several occasions to make it appear as if Rilwan was killed in war-torn Syria. Suood said Adeeb should be charged with obstruction to justice, although the same charge cannot be pursued against President Yameen.
Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyom
