President denies allegations of judicial influence
The President said no judge in the judiciary can claim to have been influenced by him and assured that this will remain the case.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that he has not, and will not, influence the judiciary.
He made the remarks during a press conference held at the President’s Office on Saturday in response to questions from journalists about recent developments concerning judicial independence.
The President said that appointments to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and other independent bodies were made in accordance with legal procedures. He emphasised that these appointees are instructed to carry out their duties in line with the law.
“Even after being appointed, I am telling them to fulfil their responsibilities as per the law,” the President said. “So nothing I influence will be done in any independent institution. I am looking to fulfil my responsibility under the law.”
He added that he has not made any attempt to influence the judiciary through appointments and stated that he will not do so in the future.
Responding to further questions, the President said he was not aware of the scheduling of court cases or the issuance of verdicts.
“For example, I don’t know whether a case has been scheduled against a certain person or what sentence he is being given or what sentence he has been given,” he said.
The comments come amid public discussion regarding the suspension of three Supreme Court judges shortly before a scheduled hearing on an interim order concerning a constitutional amendment. The amendment, if implemented, would result in the dismissal of Members of Parliament who are expelled from their political parties.
Around the same time, a member of the JSC appointed by the President was replaced. When questioned about whether this suggested interference in the judiciary, the President responded, “It is a coincidence. I never knew it would come that way before. I didn’t think otherwise. I implemented a decision I had made at the time to replace him.”
In response to broader concerns that the executive might exert control over other institutions, the President reiterated his position:
“The JSC is not under my control. The judiciary is not under my control. So what happens in the judiciary will be answered by the judiciary. As President, I will not do such a thing.”
The President said no judge in the judiciary can claim to have been influenced by him and assured that this will remain the case.
