Azmiralda files police complaint against ACC chief

Supreme Court Justice Dr Azmiralda Zahir has filed a complaint with the Maldives Police Service against the President of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Adam Shamil, alleging that Shamil made a false statement to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) regarding the initiation of an investigation into Justice Azmiralda and two other Supreme Court judges.

According to a statement issued by Azmiralda’s lawyer, Ibrahim Shameel, on Sunday, the complaint calls for a criminal investigation into the matter.

The ACC is currently investigating Azmiralda and Supreme Court Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir for their alleged involvement in influencing the issuance of an arrest warrant for Azmiralda’s husband, Dr Ismail Latheef. However, no formal announcement of such an investigation has been made by the ACC, and neither Azmiralda nor Mahaz has been questioned or asked to give a statement.

The ACC has taken statements from three judges of the Criminal Court in relation to the matter: Sofwath Habeeb, Ibrahim Zihunee, and Adam Mohamed, who serves as the Chief Justice.

Azmiralda has also lodged a complaint with the ACC, alleging that its President, Adam Shamil, attempted to exert influence over the case proceedings.

These developments come amid broader judicial proceedings involving constitutional issues. A hearing related to an interim order concerning the potential loss of parliamentary seats due to party expulsion was suspended. The suspension occurred shortly before the hearing was scheduled to begin and involved judges who were already under review by the JSC.

Following the suspension, the Supreme Court was left with only four active judges. As per the Courts Act, constitutional matters must be heard by a bench comprising at least five judges.

Subsequently, Justice Husnu Suood resigned, and former High Court Chief Justice Hussain Shaheed was appointed to fill the vacancy.