MDP shares concerns about Maldives' judiciary with EEAS
MDP concluded the meeting by emphasizing their readiness to re-establish democracy and maintain that resolve
MDP delegation meets EEAS Deputy Managing Director Paola Pampaloni
The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has shared concerns about the Maldives' judiciary with the European External Action Service (EEAS), stating that the dismissal of Supreme Court judges Dr. Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir, was done without proper procedures.
A delegation from the main opposition party met with the EEAS to share these concerns. The delegation included MDP’s President Abdulla Shahid, MP for South Galolhu constituency Meekail Ahmed Naseem, and former MP for North Henveiru contituency Hussain Shaheem.
The MDP delegation met with EEAS Deputy Managing Director Paola Pampaloni and shared the current state of democracy in the Maldives and the challenges it faces.
MDP has conducted an assessment of how the current government has undermined the independence of the judiciary and shared it with EEAS. This includes the illegal dismissal of two Supreme Court judges, political influence over the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Election Commission of Maldives, as well as how the weakening of the People’s Majlis has led to the failure of the judiciary.
In addition to this, MDP stated that courts are not hearing important cases related to the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives, and that more than 300 cases of member registrations by the main ruling party remain uninvestigated. They also mentioned that the Maldives Police Service (MPS) has not adequately investigated a case of violence against a young woman despite public concern, and that peaceful protesters, especially youth, have been arrested and abused.
Shahid said that the purpose of the meeting was to share the reality of how Maldivians live every day. He added that many institutions are seen serving influential figures and shaping things to ensure justice for them, rather than serving the public.
MDP concluded the meeting by emphasizing their readiness to re-establish democracy and maintain that resolve.
Supreme Court Judges Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, Husnu Al Suood, and Mahaz Ali Zahir were suspended on 26 February 2025, while they were in the courtroom, having scheduled a hearing for a case requesting an interim order on the dismissal of members. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) made the decision in an emergency meeting that lasted only 10 minutes.
Subsequently, on 4 March 2025, Judge Suood resigned, citing President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s violation of the constitution.
