Three months without questioning isn’t an investigation: Mahaz
UN, Commonwealth, and other organizations have expressed concern over the dismissal of Mahaz and another judge by JSC and the Judiciary Committee of the People's Majlis
Supreme Court Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir
Former Supreme Court Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir, one of three judges still under investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), has publicly criticized the commission for its handling of the case. Mahaz questioned the integrity and seriousness of the investigation, citing prolonged inaction and a lack of transparency.
Mahaz, who was dismissed from his position as a Supreme Court judge, asserted that allowing a case to remain idle for more than three months without any questioning does not constitute a genuine investigation. He criticized the Anti-Corruption Commission for what he described as a lack of progress and accountability in the probe.
The former Supreme Court Justice also emphasized that legal protections afforded to Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) members apply only when they act in good faith and within the bounds of the law. He warned that failure to do so could result in serious personal consequences, suggesting that members may ultimately face greater accountability for misconduct.
ACC is conducting a criminal investigation into Mahaz, Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, who were dismissed from the Supreme Court on May 14, and Husnu Al Suood, who resigned from the Supreme Court bench on March 4.
The justices were suspended on 26 February 2025, while investigating certain cases, just as they had begun hearing a case challenging the constitutional amendment that allows the removal of lawmakers from their seats for floor crossing.
Their suspension came after ACC informed the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) on February 26 that they had launched an investigation.
In a previous post on social media, Mahaz said he was happy that he was able to work without being influenced by any pressure while working at the Supreme Court.
The UN, Commonwealth, as well as some foreign organizations and the Bar Council have expressed concern over JSC’s decision and the decision by the Judiciary Committee of the People’s Majlis to dismiss Mahaz and Azmiralda.
