Removing judges without following due process or providing an opportunity for accountability is a disgrace: Muizzu

The Maldives' first Prosecutor General, Ahmed Muizzu, has stated that judges must be granted an adequate opportunity to respond when disciplinary actions are taken against them. He characterized the recent removal of Supreme Court justices as a shameful act, asserting that procedural justice, or "due process," was not followed in the proceedings.

Speaking during RaajjeTV’s special Independence Day coverage, Ahmed Muizzu, a former member of the Constitutional Drafting Committee, stated that judges must be afforded an adequate opportunity to defend themselves when facing disciplinary action. He further emphasized that this opportunity to be held accountable should be granted both publicly and within the People’s Majlis.

Muizzu stated that the removal of several justices from the Maldives' highest court did not follow proper procedures. He described the failure to ensure due process as a deeply regrettable occurrence.

Furthermore, Muizzu stated that the treatment of the Supreme Court justices is a matter that should bring shame to all Maldivian citizens. He emphasized that as the judiciary is one of the most vital branches of the state, fair and just procedures must be upheld in the removal of its highest-ranking judges.

I believe that when taking disciplinary action against judges, they must be afforded an adequate opportunity to be held accountable, both before the public and within the Parliament. In my view, due process was not properly followed; it was handled very poorly. The way they were treated is something we should be ashamed of.

Ahmed Muizzu

Ahmed Muizzu, who also served as a member of the Special People’s Majlis, is a veteran professional with an extensive career in the Maldivian legal sector. His remarks come at a time of intense public debate regarding the periodic changes within the Maldivian judiciary and the procedures followed in the dismissal of judges.