Judges' promotions have too many coincidences: Jameel

When considered from a rational point of view, the promotions being  given to judges is a matter of concern, said opposition leader Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's senior lawyer, Dr Mohammad Jameel Ahmed on Tuesday.

Criminal Court Judge Ali Rasheed Hussain, who sentenced Yameen in November 2019 in the Vodamula case, was appointed to the Supreme Court in September 2020. The opposition alleged that it was a "promotion" given via Yameen after he was jailed.

Criminal Court Chief Judge Ahmed Shakeel, who sentenced Yameen to jail on December 25, has applied for the post of judge of the now vacant High Court. 

Responding to a question from Atoll Times at a press conference held by Yameen's legal team in M. Dhimyaath on Tuesday, Jameel expressed concern over the "promotions" being given to the judges.

Jameel, who was also the first vice president in Yameen's government, said there was not much to say as a lawyer as the appointment and removal of judges to the courts was governed by the constitution and laws. But in this case, Jameel said, "there are some things that are difficult".

"From a rational point of view, there is a lot of coincidences in president Yameen's cases and the promotion of judges. It's a matter of great concern if you think from a rational point of view," Jameel said.

Jameel described it as a "setback in the criminal justice system", considering the way the "promotion to judges" handling Yameen's cases has come so far.

"There are a lot of coincidences. As a general rule, if you think from the point of view of a rational human being, it is very difficult to accept that," said Jameel, a former justice minister and chief judge of the criminal court.

Jameel wondered if these judges were progressing occupationally in the face of something. If it is carefully studied, the question will be answered, he said.

Jameel criticised Shakeel's use of the phrase in his verdict against Yameen by "the mind of a rational human being".