Interference in judiciary will affect people, Solih warns

Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih said on Thursday that the government has stripped the Supreme Court of its powers and placed authority in the hands of President Mohammed Muizzu, ultimately affecting the people of the country.

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) suspended Supreme Court judges Husnu Suood, Dr Azmiralda Zahir, and Mahaz Ali Zahir on Wednesday. The decision was made after the JSC was informed that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) was conducting a criminal investigation against the judges.

The JSC is also investigating further cases against them related to ethical concerns. The suspension was announced as the Supreme Court was preparing to hear a case regarding the interim order to halt the implementation of the seat-loss amendment.

Solih, who currently serves as an advisor to the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), said the government had interfered in an ongoing constitutional case.

"These actions undermine the independence of all institutions, including the Supreme Court, JSC, and ACC, and create an environment of intimidation for judges. I call on state leaders to stop these practices and uphold the rule of law," Solih stated.

He further said the country was moving towards a concentration of power.

"The rights gained through years of effort and the principle of separation of powers are being eroded, placing authority solely in the hands of the president. The people will ultimately face the consequences," he said.

The JSC's decision to suspend the judges follows President Muizzu’s recent removal of lawyer Mohamed Sameer from the commission. In his place, Yazmeed Mohamed was selected:

On Thursday, parliament, where PNC holds a majority, amended the Courts Act to reduce the number of Supreme Court judges from seven to five. The PNC leadership had instructed its members to vote in favour of the bill.