HRCM: PG Office did not work hard enough on Ibthihaal case

Human Rights Commission of the Maldives (HRCM) has said that the Prosecutor General’s Office (PG Office) did not work enough with the HRCM report on the case of the three-year-old Mohamed Ibthihaal who was found dead at a house in V. Atoll Rakeedhoo.

Speaking at the launching of the Annual HRCM Report 2015 held at Mookai Hotel today, President of HRCM, Aminath Eenas said that a number of people investigated the Ibthihaal case and submitted reports including the PG Office.

“Our report is based on a specific way. PG report or how the PG works is different. So HRCM completed the report and sent it. When we sent it, they said some of it is not complete on how they want it and so we are doing our part.” Eenas said.

She said that the investigation of the Ibthihaal case proceeded with consultation of the PG Office.

Speaking at the press conference, the Vice President of the HRCM, Shifaaq Mufeed said that they first began the investigation upon the request of the PG Office.

He said that the HRCM investigated as requested by the PG Office.

“As requested, as instructed by the PG (Office) our commission’s people travelled to different islands, not from just one island, met with different people, stated the things noted in the investigation and sent to PG to press charges.” Shifaq said.

He said that they sent letter to the PG Office on two occasions regarding the progress on the report and once received word that the report had problems.

“Last February 18, PG told us that the suspects in the investigation report are suspected. And state the constitutional rights, take their statements and send it.” Shifaq said.

The Vice President of HRCM said that the PG Office asking for that information later is something that happened unfortunately. And if they made the request for a separate investigation, those statements could have been taken.