Pres commission on murders says work ongoing, denies claims of halted investigations

The Presidential Commission Investigating Murders and Disappearances has denied claims that it halted its investigations.

The commission's statement comes amid claims by Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed, who on Monday announced to the parliament that the commission had terminated investigations due to challenges it faced. A letter sent to the parliament by the commission said it is unable to complete investigations as it cannot obtain any further evidence to support the cases, said Nasheed.

The commission issued a statement on Monday revealing that it informed the Maldives Parliament regarding the developments in their investigations and the challenges the commission faces in carrying out their investigations. However, the commission has not informed the parliament that it had discontinued any investigations due to obstructions faced in carrying out the investigations. In their statement, the commission further assured that its work is ongoing.

During Monday's parliament sitting, Speaker Nasheed cited the commission's letter and said the commission has only been able to investigate cases and gather evidence that can only incriminate those physically involved in carrying out the murders. However, there is not enough evidence to press charges against those who funded the hits, said Nasheed.

According to Nasheed, the commission said its work was interrupted due to a draft report it sent to the parliament on a case they were investigating being made public. Nasheed said the people whose identities were mentioned on the draft report should have been charged despite any interruption.

The commission had earlier submitted the draft report on the murders of former parliamentarian and religious scholar Dr. Afrasheem Ali and journalist Ahmed Rilwan. The report had stated that the two murders were linked to religious extremist groups.

However, the report was rejected by Dr. Afrasheem's family, and a large majority of people believe the investigations remain incomplete. It is a presidential pledge of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to ensure justice for the perpetrators of the murders.