Maldives Police Service stormed nine residences last night believed to be connected to suspects involved in the kidnap and murder of journalist Ahmed Rilwan.
The surprise search and seizure operation in Male’ and Addu City, is being conducted on the request of the Presidential Commission on Murders and Enforced Disappearances (CMED).
Masked police entered and searched eight houses in Male’ and one house in Addu on Tuesday night, to search for evidence five years after the murder of Rilwan, but did not make any arrests.
All of the suspects are people named in the report released by CMED president Husnu Suood last week.
Four departments of the Police Service are involved in the operation which includes Crime Investigation Department, Forensic Service Department and Divisional Policing Command Department.
The operation by the police comes after President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih vowed to prosecute all in connection with the murder of Rilwan.
Meanwhile Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) patrolled the streets of Male’ armed with rifles, providing cover and support for the police.
The suspects named in CMED report are:
- Samih Mohamed (Soamithu), Omadhoo Island, Thaa atoll.
- Ali Shiyam (VB Ayya), Vaaly Villa, Henveiru ward.
- Ahmed Agleel (Kidu), Feydhoo Island, Addu City.
- Mohamed Mazeed, Male’ City.
- Ismail Abduh Raheem (Isuu), Lagoon Villa, Maafannu ward,
- Shaffaf ( Address unknown).
Rilwan, who worked at Minivan News, was abducted in August, 2014. His disappearance remained a mystery until CMED revealed details of the case.
The liberal blogger turned journalist was abducted by Islamic Extremists linked to the terrorist group Al-Qaeda CMED. Rilwan was kidnapped from outside his apartment in Hulhumale, put on a boat, beheaded and thrown into the sea, according to the report.
