Maldives must investigate the murder of blogger Yameen Rasheed and ensure an environment conducive of free expression, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights cited special procedures and called on President Abdulla Yameen’s administration to ensure that the investigation into the murder is independent and thorough. 

“In light of the extreme seriousness of the attack, we urge a thorough and independent public inquiry to take place bringing to bear all of the resources of law enforcement and focusing on his murder and the disappearance of Ahmed Rilwan” the UN said in reference to the ongoing police investigation.

Thus far, authorities have apprehended six individuals in the case but has yet to confirm any of these arrests, and has promised Yameen’s family that it would dedicate at least 20 hours a day to the investigation. 

The police had made their first arrest a week after the brutal murder despite CCTV footage from Yameen’s home clearly capturing the face of one culprit, prompting criticism for perceived incompetence. 

The special procedures had condemned the murder and noted President Yameen’s remarks in a speech four days after the murder, where he said the state could not allow any criticism or denunciation of Islam.

“We consider it imperative that the authorities take seriously their obligation to promote a free and safe space for all forms of expression,” the special procedures said in response to this, adding that it is the government’s mandate to advocate for tolerance. 

Prior to his death, the writer had received numerous death threats from individuals that have been publicly described to be fanatics for his posts on Twitter and satirical blog The Daily Panic, which was critical of Maldivian political and social spheres.

The UN’s statement on Tuesday had noted how Yameen had reported said threats with the police to no avail. While the UN has called for a public inquiry, Yameen’s family had acquired a petition with over 5,000 signatures backing their request that a reputable international investigator be involved in the police probe and filed it along with 811 letters, the police had denied the family’s appeal. 

Yameen was found in the stairwell of his home with over thirty stab wounds to his head, neck, and chest on the 23rd of April. 

The UN special procedures comprises of experts on human rights individually given the title of special rapporteur: Tuesday's statement is based on the advisory of David Kaye, Michel Forst, and local lawyer Ahmed Shaheed.