Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusaan has refused to resign as he denied police negligence in the investigation of a ninth-floor fall of a young woman.
Police believe Hawwa Yumnu, 21, fell from a window in the stairwell of Henveiru Fentenoy house on April 18. Raudh Ahmed, 21, who was with her at the time of the incident, left the scene and did not report to authorities.
Young people have been staging nightly protests on the streets of Male' and on Friday night they demanded the resignations of Ihusaan, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen and Police Commissioner Ali Sujau.
Ihusaan told Adhadhu that the government or President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu will decide on the demands made by the protesters.
"I don't believe that anything has happened that warrants my resignation. Especially with regards to this case, I don't believe [I have to resign]. They are calling for [my resignation]. But what's the reason I should reason? They have not given a reasonable justification for that," Ihusaan claimed.
He also accused that the calls for resignations were intended to politicise the matter.
"The young people are demanding justice and a transparent investigation. I will guarantee these things 100 percent. I will also support them. I will do what is necessary within my ministry," Ihusaan added.
Ihusaan further rejected calls for Police Commissioner Sujau's resignation because the investigation into the case had not been completed.
"In this case, so far, it does not show any police negligence. But I believe that in providing information at the sessions, police explanations can be made clearer," he said.
The police have faced immense criticism over their response following Yumnu's fall. There have been accusations of a cover-up because the case involves relatives of wealthy and politically influential figures.
