The iconic photograph of three-year-old Mohamed Ibthihaal who was beaten to death by his mother after repeated abuse. PHOTO: ASAD PHOTOGRAPHY
The case of three-year-old Mohamed Ibthihaal beaten to death by his mother in January last year has grabbed the attention of international entities.
Representatives of regional countries participating in the International Parliamentary Conference, which concluded Sunday in Indian capital New Delhi, had inquired over Ibthihaal’s murder with strong emotional reactions to the violent case. Ibthihaal’s iconic photograph, which went viral across the Maldives in the wake of his murder, was also disclosed to conference attendees.
Indian parliamentary member Konda Vishweshwar Reddy commented on the photograph, describing it as the most beautiful and heart-breaking picture he has seen. He declared it the most crucial keepsake from the conference.
The Maldives’ representatives at the conference were member of main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Addu Meedhoo MP Rozaina Adam, member of ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and Maafannu Central MP Asma Rasheed, and member of religiously conservative Adhaalath Party and Makunudhoo MP Anara Naeem.
Speaking at the conference, MP Rozaina condemned the Maldives government for its inaction in protecting Ibthihaal, declaring that authorities were aware of Ibthihaal’s repeated abuse.
“The state institutions found out about it, but no one was able to help that child. No one saved him. The government failed to, the system failed, the entire community failed.”
Stating that lacklustre efforts in securing children’s rights had paved the way for Ibthihaal’s death, MP Rozaina also raised concerns over the insufficient funds allocated for children’s rights and care in the State Budget 2017. She called on everyone, from the government and parliament to the common man, to work together for the protection of children’s rights.
Speaking to Mihaaru afterwards, MP Rozaina said that conference attendees had inquired for more information regarding Ibthihaal’s murder.
“I shared all that information with the participants of the meeting. They said it was a highly distressing matter, that such things must be stopped.”
Mohamed Ibthihaal was found dead in their home in Vaavu Atoll Rakeedhoo with signs of severe physical abuse in January last year.
In his testimony, Dr Ahmed Nishan of Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) had said that aside from signs of strangulation, they had also found internal bleeding in Ibthihaal.
His mother Afiya Mohamed had been arrested in connection to her son’s death and has been charged with first degree murder. She had made a horrific yet detailed confession, describing how she had strangled, punched and kicked her three-year-old sleeping child when she came home on that fateful day. Afiya had said she hated her son as he was born out of wedlock.