Maldives
The United Nations has requested the Maldivian government to respond to the suspension of three Supreme Court judges—Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, Mahaz Ali Zahir, and Husnu Al Suood—who were suspended on February 28, 2025. The suspensions occurred as the court was preparing to hear a constitutional case related to an amendment allowing political parties to unseat members of parliament.
The suspensions were initiated by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) following allegations of corruption. Shortly before the Supreme Court was scheduled to begin hearings on the constitutional amendment, Suood and Azmiralda submitted a letter to two UN bodies on behalf of the affected judges. Suood, who lodged the complaint, stated that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights had requested a response from the government before June 2.
As of now, the Maldivian government has not issued an official statement on the matter. The JSC is continuing investigations into behavioral cases involving the suspended judges. Suood has since resigned from his post, citing intimidation and influence exerted by President Mohamed Muizzu and Attorney General Ahmed Usham.
The UN's request for a response underscores international concerns over judicial independence in the Maldives. Human Rights Watch has also called for the immediate reinstatement of the suspended justices, highlighting the potential undermining of the judiciary's independence.
The suspensions and subsequent international scrutiny have significant implications for the separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary in the Maldives. The outcome of this situation may influence the balance between the executive and judicial branches and set a precedent for future judicial proceedings.
