Charges Filed Against Youth Protest Leaders in Yumn Rasheed Case, Diversion Still Possible

Two youth protest leaders who stood at the forefront of public demonstrations demanding justice for Hawwa Yumn Rasheed are now facing criminal charges. The Prosecutor General’s Office has formally filed cases against Abdullah Mahzoom Majid and Aishath Shiman, who led the movement earlier this year after Yumn suffered severe injuries from a fall in Malé under suspicious circumstances.

Public Outrage Sparked Protests Over Alleged Police Negligence

The incident, which occurred in April, ignited nationwide outrage. Protesters accused law enforcement authorities of mishandling the investigation into Yumn's fall from a building. Demonstrations quickly gained traction in Malé, driven largely by youth voices demanding accountability.

Mahzoom and Shiman were arrested when police intervened to disperse the crowds. Though both were initially held in custody with court-ordered detention extensions, they were later released.

Formal Charges: Assault and Obstruction

The Prosecutor General’s Office (PG Office) has now charged Mahzoom with assault, while Shiman faces a charge of obstructing a law enforcement officer. Despite these developments, the PG Office confirmed that the pair could still avoid prosecution by entering a diversion agreement—a legal pathway that suspends charges provided the individual refrains from committing further offenses.

According to Ahmed Shafeeu, spokesperson and legal counsel at the PG Office, both activists were previously offered this option but initially declined. He emphasized on social media that the opportunity remains open.

A diversion agreement is often used in cases involving minor offenses and first-time defendants, allowing for rehabilitation without a criminal record.

Commission Confirms Police Mishandling in Yumn's Case

The public backlash following Yumn’s fall led President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to establish a special presidential commission to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The commission’s findings supported many of the protesters’ claims, concluding that the police had been negligent during parts of the investigation.

This acknowledgment of institutional failure added further weight to the demands made during the protests.

In a related development, Raudh Ahmed Zilal, the last person seen with Yumn on the night of her fall, was also arrested and later charged. Although initially detained, Raudh has since been released from custody pending further legal proceedings.

Meanwhile, Yumn, who sustained serious injuries, received medical treatment abroad, and her condition has been kept out of the public spotlight since.