Former MP and Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Ibrahim Ismail (Ibra) has warned that Maldivians may once again need to take to the streets to seek justice, as the judiciary faces increasing political interference.
In a Facebook post reacting to the Judicial Service Commission’s (JSC) decision to investigate five High Court judges, Ibra described the move as part of a broader effort to transform the courts into administrative tribunals.
“Today we see the second phase of the process of converting the courts into administrative tribunals,” he wrote, calling the development deeply concerning.
Ibra claimed that until this transformation is complete, the government will continue to suppress fundamental rights. “Maldivians will now get the protection of the law again on the streets,” he said.
“Until that day comes, the state will arrest us whenever it wants. Torture us. Confiscate our property. Evict us from our homes and prevent us from travelling. Businesses will be closed down. We will be deprived of education. Our mouths will be shut,” Ibra warned.
He also referenced the sudden suspension of three Supreme Court judges, Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, Mahaz Ali Zahir, and Husnu Al Suood, as the moment he realized the judiciary was being reshaped into a political tool. Ibra said he appealed their suspension to the Supreme Court and Parliament’s Judiciary Committee, but both institutions declined to hear the case.
The JSC is currently investigating five of the 11 High Court judges, including Mohamed Faisal, who resigned as Chief Justice this week, Mohamed Niyaz and Hussain Mazeed, both High Court representatives on the JSC, and judges Fathimath Farheeza and Deebanaz Fahumy.
Faisal was nominated as Chief Justice in March but never formally appointed. His resignation comes amid reports of a JSC probe into his conduct. Niyaz, the High Court’s longest-serving judge, has filed for resignation citing health reasons. Mazeed, Farheeza, and Deebanaz are reportedly being investigated for behavioral issues. Mazeed has over 15 years of judicial experience.
The MDP has also accused the government of attempting to control the judiciary by removing competent judges and replacing them with politically appointed figures.