The Association for Democracy in the Maldives (ADM) has urged the People’s Majlis and the global community to hold accountable both current and former officials for the enforced disappearance of journalist Ahmed Rilwan Abdulla, marking 11 years since his kidnapping.

In a statement released today, ADM charged previous administrations with not only failing to provide justice but also protecting those involved in the case. The organization urged officials to take definitive measures, emphasizing: “We demand that you hold the government and specific public officials accountable for these actions and failures”.

Rilwan was taken on 8 August 2014 while Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom was in office. ADM claims essential evidence was improperly handled, witnesses were threatened, and suspects were permitted to escape the country. The group further asserts that government representatives tried to falsify Rilwan’s passport to create a narrative that he had departed the Maldives willingly.