(Photo: File, GSM News, Edition Maldives )
Malé City, Maldives, 11 May 2025 – Kanba Aisha Ishaq, GSM News:
In a press statement broadcast live on Channel 13 and RaajjeTV, Ageela Naeem, sister of Hawwa Yumnu Rasheed, addressed the public on behalf of the family—stating that Yumnu did not fall or jump voluntarily and alleging serious lapses in the handling of the case by the Maldives Police Service and associated authorities.
Yumnu, 21, sustained critical injuries after reportedly falling from the ninth floor of an apartment in H. Fentenoy nearly three weeks ago. Ageela stated that Yumnu is now conscious and has conveyed that the fall was not of her own doing. According to Ageela, her sister said:
“I did not do such a thing of my volition, I did not fall by my own doing.”
Discrepancies Between Police Account and Victim’s Statement
According to the family, Yumnu said she had previously been to the apartment and had gone there on the night of the incident at the invitation of Yassar Abdul Ghafoor, who had sent the location. The family claims she visited two separate apartments that night, also at Yassar’s request. In total, Ageela stated that six individuals, including Yassar and another person named Raudh, were present.
These details contradict initial information given to the family by police, who reportedly described the apartment as a “random house” with no security cameras.
Questions About Evidence Handling and Transparency
Ageela criticized the police for releasing details about the case to the public before speaking with the victim. She further questioned the whereabouts of Yumnu’s phone, stating that the family had requested to verify the device but were denied access. She also expressed concern that available video evidence may have been selectively edited.
She noted that an investigating officer was reassigned partway through the process and asked whether this change signaled an end to accountability.
“Why was the family not consulted further? Why was the investigation made public before taking her statement?” Ageela asked.
Response to Political Framing
Addressing commentary that the case has become politically charged, Ageela stated that the family has no intention of politicizing the issue and is only pursuing available platforms to seek justice. She acknowledged that ongoing public protests have been key in maintaining visibility but reaffirmed the family’s intent remains focused solely on accountability.
Public Engagement and Ongoing Demands
Ageela concluded by thanking members of the public, including those who have assisted financially and logistically with Yumnu’s care, and reiterated the family’s dissatisfaction with the official investigation so far.
“The questions we have raised remain unanswered. We have not received clarity or communication from the commission tasked with the investigation,” she said.
This press conference comes amid increasing public scrutiny of institutional responses to the case and growing online campaigns under hashtags such as #JusticeForYumnu and #DhulehNukuraanan.
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