Parliament committee on National Security Service (241 committee) has included Ali 'Sato' Shan's name in their final approved report on the murder of former Ungoofaaru MP and religious scholar Dr. Afrasheem Ali.
Shan, an MDP activist, is suspected of being practically involved in executing the murder of the MP who was found dead in the stairwell of his residence on October 2, 2012.
Shan was listed in the report published by the presidential commission investigating Murders and Enforced Disappearances on former MP Dr. Afrasheem Ali's murder as a suspect who carried out the murder. The report named Hussain Humam of Henveiru Lobby, and Ali Shan as two perpetrators who attacked and murdered the MP. It further named Shan as one of the key persons who planned the attack.
While the presidential commission's report was forwarded to relevant government authorities and the Parliament, the 241 committee is further assessing the report. The report was being looked into sub-committee formed from among committee members, which is headed by MP Hassan Latheef.
Shan's name was removed from the initial report prepared and approved by the sub committee. The report still named the remaining perpetrators who allegedly murdered the MP. The move prompted criticism towards the parliament and the government.
However, after the sub-committee report was presented to the 241 committee, Shan's name was included once again before it was approved. The committee sitting during which the report was approved was held behind closed doors.
A second open sitting was held Thursday night where MP Hsssan Latheef said the seven tasks given to the sub committee by the main committee did not include preparing a list of those actively involved in carrying out the murder. However, it is the first recommendation of the sub committee to take action against those who committed criminal offences, said Hassan Latheef.
"If a person is noted to have committed a criminal offence, even if their names are not highlighted in the report, we recommend to take immediate action against such offenders", said Hassan Latheef.
Latheef added that the main committee had decided to approve the report which lists those who actively participated in carrying out the murder. This includes Shan's name as well, said Latheef..
When the current administration came into power, Shan was given employment at Greater Male' Industrial Zone Limited. While he worked in Thilafushi as a supervisor, he was suspended from his job when the presidential commission's report was published.
The state previously pursued charges against Shan over Dr. Afrasheem's murder. However, the charges were dropped due to lack of substantial evidence. He was later fitted with an electronic tag during former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom's administration. However, the government was pressured into taking away the authority given to the Home Minister to fit tags. The tagging fitted on Shan was removed following the decision.
