President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has called on young people not to allow political unrest in the country amid nightly protests demanding justice over the unexplained ninth-floor fall of a 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.
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.
Senior government officials contacted protest organizers and invited them to discuss their demands. But the youth leaders said they would consider the invitation only after Muizzu publicly apologizes for his remarks and fulfills further demands.
In an interview with Public Service Media (PSM) before his departure to Malaysia today, Muizzu alleged the opposition of using the young protesters to create public disorder and political unrest.
"Don't let anyone misuse your worries, your emotions and your genuine concerns. Now you can see that politicians are using your sentiments to create political chaos in the country," he stated.
On Thursday night, Muizzu said the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) must take responsibility for the "tragic incident." He said it happened because of the "fun without fear" policy promoted during the 2013 presidential election.
Meanwhile, the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) has been working on social media to discredit the young protest leaders and question the purpose and intention of the nightly rallies.
However, the protests are not affiliated with any political party and the youth leaders have said it is a national movement to ensure justice and transparency and stand against impunity for those connected to rich and politically influential figures.
Raudh was arrested six days after the incident, even though he tested positive for cannabis and left the scene without informing authorities. Yumnu was found nearly three hours later on the roof of a warehouse.
