The Association for Democracy in the Maldives (ADM) has called on the People’s Majlis and the international community to hold both current and former government officials accountable for the enforced disappearance of journalist Ahmed Rilwan Abdulla, marking 11 years since his abduction.
In a statement issued today, ADM accused successive administrations of not only failing to deliver justice but also shielding those implicated in the case. The organisation urged authorities to take concrete action, stressing: “We call on you to hold the government and individual public officials accountable for these actions and inactions”.
Rilwan was abducted on 8 August 2014 during former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s term. ADM alleges crucial evidence was mishandled, witnesses intimidated, and suspects allowed to flee the country. The group also claims government officials attempted to forge Rilwan’s passport to fabricate a story that he had left the Maldives voluntarily.
Under President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, the Deaths and Disappearances Commission (DDCom) was established to investigate the case. However, ADM says Solih failed to fulfil his campaign promise, pointing to his decision to grant clemency to key suspects weeks before leaving office. In 2023, terrorism charges against three individuals tied to the disappearance were dismissed by the Criminal Court, a decision the Prosecutor General did not appeal. The DDCom’s investigation findings were never shared with Rilwan’s family or the public.
President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration pledged in May 2024 to release the DDCom report but has yet to make it public or provide information to the family despite repeated requests.
ADM insists that justice and transparency must prevail, demanding the immediate release of the commission’s findings and accountability for all responsible parties through due legal process.
