right|thumb|300px|Building set on fire

On Saturday September 20, 2003 civil unrest broke out in Malé, the capital city of the Maldives. This unrest was provoked by the death of Hassan Evan Naseem at Maafushi Prison – located on a separate inhabited island – and the subsequent shooting at the same prison, that killed 3 and injured 17 others.

Many government buildings, vehicles and other public properties were set on fire, some were destroyed. The government controlled the unrest by around 23:00 and declared a State of Emergency in Malé and nearby islands. Late night curfews were enforced from 22:00 to 04:30 in Malé for more than a month following the rioting.

Naseem's death

On Friday September 19, 2003, Naseem, who was serving at Maafushi Jail for drug abuse related offenses, was beaten by the NSS personnel of the security unit in the jail. This led to Naseem's death the following day. The beating came about as punishment for the disturbances from complicated disputes between Naseem's inmates and "neighboring" prisoners. To control the disturbances caused by these disputes (and reportedly to investigate this incident) security personnel came with a list of "troublemakers". Though it is said that, Naseem was not involved in the above-mentioned incident his name appeared on the list. There was no response to these repeated demands. Among the key places target were The Elections Division office, the Majlis and the High Court.

Tear gas drifted through the streets of Malé in the late evening and police used force to control the mob when as they reached Shaheed Hussain Adam Building. The findings of the commission were released to the public with the title "Report on the Death of Hassan Evan Naseem" or “Investigative Findings on the Death of Hassan Evan Naseem" and "Investigative Findings on the Incident of Shooting at Maafushi jail" respectively. However, several sections from these public report were omitted due to national security concerns.

During the investigation, survivors were interviewed and investigation teams were sent to Nawaloka Hospital and Apollo Hospital (now Lanka Hospitals) in Colombo where those who survived were being treated. Members of the commission visited Maafushi Jail on September 23 and October 6, 2003 and Girifushi Training Center (on November 30) to obtain information on the nature of weapons used in shooting. 12 people were pressed charges and 8 were given death sentences.

Members of the Presidential Commission

  • Abdul Sattar Moosa Didi – Chairperson
  • Shaaheen Hameed