UN expresses concern over removal of SC justices

The United Nation's Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner has issued a statement expressing concern of the dismissal of the Maldives' Supreme Court justices.

"The dismissal by the Maldives Parliament of two Supreme Court justices raises serious concerns about respect for the independence of the judiciary," the statement by the office's spokesperson Jeremy Laurence read.

The two justices were removed by the parliament at the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which determined the pair had engaged in misconduct. It was claimed that they had coerced Criminal Court judges to release Dr. Azmiralda's husband, Dr. Ismail Latheef, from custody.

"Concerns have been raised with respect to the conduct of the proceedings against the judges. These developments followed the Supreme Court's hearing of a legal challenge to recent Constitutional amendments affecting lawmakers' ability to cross party lines," the UN's statement read.

"We remind the authorities of their commitment to maintain and protect an independent judiciary, in line with the Maldives' Constitution and international human rights obligations. Checks and balances between the different branches of the State, including a strong and independent judiciary, play a vital role in ensuring fidelity to the rule of law by all branches of Government and the effective protection of human rights," the statement concluded.

After the judiciary committee of the parliament decided to move forward with removing the justices, the parliament's Counsel General Fathimath Filza said JSC had violated the regulations and acted differently in different cases.

While the UN has raised raised concerns over the matter, Foreign Minister Dr. Abdulla Khaleel had earlier said that proper procedure was followed in removing the justices.

President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu would not influence the judiciary and will maintain the independence of the judiciary, the foreign minister also said.

Painting a contradicting image, former Supreme Court Justice Husnu Suood resigned from the Supreme Court alleging the government's influence in the judiciary.

He was replaced by former Chief Judge of the High Court, Hussain Shaheed.

Along with Hussain Shaheed, the other justices on the Supreme Court bench include Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan, Justice Aysha Shujune, Justice Ali Rasheed Hussain, and Justice Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim. However, Chief Justice Muthasim has also applied for retirement.

Despite the UN's concerns, the Maldivian government has always denied the allegations.