The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has accused the government of using the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to remove competent judges and replace them with politically loyal appointees in an effort to control the judiciary.
The JSC announced Thursday that it has begun disciplinary proceedings against five of the 11 judges on the High Court bench. In response, MDP Legal Director Ahmed Mauroof alleged that the move is part of a broader strategy to undermine judicial independence.
“This is an attempt to remove capable individuals from the judiciary and replace them with politically appointed figures,” Mauroof said.
Among those under investigation are Mohamed Faisal, who resigned this week after being nominated as Chief Justice in March but never formally appointed, along with Mohamed Niyaz and Hussain Mazeed, both of whom represent the High Court on the JSC. Two of the court’s three female judges, Fathimath Farheeza and Deebanaz Fahumy, are also being investigated.
Faisal’s resignation comes amid reports of a JSC probe into his conduct. Meanwhile, Niyaz, the High Court’s longest-serving judge, has filed for resignation citing health reasons. Mazeed, Farheeza, and Deebanaz are reportedly being investigated over ethical issues. Mazeed has over 15 years of judicial experience.
The government has repeatedly stated that it does not interfere with the judiciary. However, the MDP pointed to recent suspensions of three Supreme Court justices, Husnu Al Suood, Mahaz Ali Hazir, and Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, while the court was hearing a politically sensitive constitutional case. The suspensions followed a letter from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to the JSC.
Suood resigned shortly after his suspension, while Mahaz and Azmiralda were dismissed without being given adequate time to respond to the allegations, according to their statements.