Dr Afrasheem's murder was a dangerous message: Maumoon

Former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom has said that the murder of prominent religious scholar and parliamentarian Dr Afrasheem Ali in October last year, was a dangerous message to Islam and Islamic scholars.

The former president made the statement while speaking at a special event by the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) to mark the one year anniversary of Dr Afrasheem’s death.

“The people who did this intended to deprive this nation from his services. I have to say, it is a very dangerous message. It means that if a person voices out or speaks of things that does not please one group of people, this would be his fate,” Maumoon said.

He said that Afrasheem’s murder was politically motivated and expressed concern over the delay of justice. He called on the courts to expedite the cases for Afrasheem’s murder.

Maumoon said that Afrasheem was a person of exceptional discipline. He had telephoned Afrasheem's family, he said, and reported that they are well. He thanked all those who supported Afrasheem's family during the difficult time, one year ago.

Afrasheem’s brother, the new MP for Ungoofaaru constituency Ibrahim Ameen also spoke at the event. He said that the country and himself are craving for justice for Afrasheem’s murder and called on the people behind it to come forward and confess. Ameen also thanked the government for continuing the investigation.

PPM MPs who spoke at the event all called on the courts to expedite justice and the quick sentencing of all those accused for the murder of Dr Afrasheem Ali.