Transparency Maldives has stated that there was a culture of intimidation and violence on free speech, adding that this was exacerbated by a failure of relevant authorities to investigate and address these issues.

Speaking to Raajje.mv, during the event held to call for justice to the murder of Yameen Rasheed, Transparency Maldives Senior Project Coordinator Ahmed Tholal said that 30 days had elapsed since the murder of Yameen Rasheed. He said that during this period Police had failed to brief the family on the progress of the investigation, which has led public to question whether if the real perpetrators had been arrested or whether justice would ever be found.

Tholal stressed that Yameen was murdered after he had received multiple warnings. He said this was the same fate for all who had exercised the right to free speech, adding that this must be seen as serious cases.

Tholal added that Tuesday’s event was organized by Yameen’s family and friends as a march. However, prior to start of the event, Police had instructed that the march cannot be held on the streets. Tholal said this was a direct restriction on freedom of expression and that this was deeply concerning.

‘Citizens face immense challenges in exercising their basic rights. Peaceful assembly is not banned under the Constitution. The Constitution guarantees that anyone can hold a peaceful assembly or strike without informing the authorities,’ he said.

Tholal said that Yameen was a staunch defender of such rights, noting that such events were held to signify that it cannot be halted.

He revealed that more demonstrations were planned.