The Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) has launched an investigation into the death of Zakiyya Moosa, 50, who was found dead on Noonu Holhudhoo island in September.
In a post on X, HRCM said the inquiry was launched after Zakiyya's relatives expressed concern over the police investigation.
"The Commission is now examining the information and documents related to the case obtained from the Maldives Police Service," it stated.
Zakiyyaa Moosa was a native of Holhudhoo island. She was found dead with stab wounds to the neck on the morning of September 10, 2024. A police forensic team worked on the island due to the suspicious nature of her death.
At an earlier briefing, Chief Inspector of Police Mohamed Samih said that the investigation was ongoing but they have not yet obtained any evidence to suggest foul play in Zakiyya's death.
"Zakiyya had three deep wounds on her right side, two deep wounds on her left side and one shallow wound in the middle of her neck," Samih said.
He said there was a lot of blood on the knife found near her body and on the clothes Zakiyya was wearing.
However, there were no signs of any other injuries and no signs of an assault at the warehouse where Zakiyya was found dead. The warehouse is located at her home on the island.
Police also said that it is difficult to rule out the possibility of suicide.
"Looking at some of the similar investigations we have done so far, there are cases where such wounds had been found. So it's difficult to say this can't be done," Samih told reporters.
However, the residents of Holhudhoo and Zakiyya's relatives do not believe her death was not the result of suicide.
There have been a series of protests on the island. On Saturday, protesters barged into the police station and demanded answers. Police used pepper spray to disperse them.
