MDP calls for reinstatement of suspended Supreme Court judges
The MDP maintains that the suspensions have undermined judicial independence and must be reversed without further delay.
The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Wednesday called for the immediate lifting of the suspension of Supreme Court judges Mahaz Ali Zahir and Azmiralda Zahir.
The two judges were suspended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on 26 February, along with former Justice Husnu Suood, in relation to an ongoing constitutional case regarding the loss of parliamentary seats.
Justice Suood resigned on 4 March, while Mahaz and Azmiralda remain suspended for over a month.
In a press release, the party stated that the suspension of the judges has contributed to delays in addressing a number of constitutional and national matters.
The party alleges that the suspensions are politically motivated and aimed at securing influence over the judiciary.
"This is a deliberate attempt by the government to assert political control over the Supreme Court," the MDP stated.
The MDP's statement also outlined the following concerns:
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The behavioural cases against Mahaz and Azmiralda are being investigated by a JSC which the party described as “government-controlled.”
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The judges have allegedly not been granted full rights to defend themselves, including limitations on accepting witnesses and legal representation.
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The suspension process has, according to the party, violated rights protected under the Constitution and international legal standards.
The party called for the JSC to cease all investigations it described as political in nature and to reinstate the suspended judges.
Currently, the JSC is conducting three investigations related to the judges:
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Allegations that Mahaz and Azmiralda attempted to influence Criminal Court judges to avoid the arrest of Dr Ismail Latheef, Azmiralda’s husband and a physician at IGMH.
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A case involving the alleged mistreatment of High Court Assistant Registrar Mohamed Haneef, who was summoned to the Supreme Court.
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A disciplinary inquiry against Azmiralda’s legal representative, Ibrahim Shameel, for issuing a public statement.
The JSC has concluded hearings on the alleged influence in the remand order. The commission is now preparing the final report, after which the judges will be invited to respond before a final decision is made.
Separately, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is also investigating related allegations of corruption involving Mahaz and Azmiralda. The ACC has reportedly taken statements from three Criminal Court judges but has yet to question the two Supreme Court justices.
Azmiralda has filed a case against ACC President Adam Shamil, alleging interference in judicial matters. Shamil, in turn, filed a complaint with the police accusing Azmiralda of providing false information. The police have not taken up the complaint.
The MDP maintains that the suspensions have undermined judicial independence and must be reversed without further delay.
