ACC-Government Collaboration Led to Unfair Removal of Judges to Favor Administration: Muizzu

Ahmed Muizzu, a member of the Special Majlis that drafted the Constitution and a former member of its drafting committee, has stated that the removal of Supreme Court justices was carried out through unfair procedures involving the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and the government. He alleged that the move was intended to facilitate a specific outcome in a case involving the government's interests.

In an exclusive interview with RaajjeTV, Muizzu strongly criticized the procedures followed in the dismissal of the judges.

Muizzu stated that the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has not even questioned a single judge regarding the cases submitted to the commission. He emphasized that matters of such magnitude must be conducted transparently, ensuring that all parties involved are given the opportunity to be heard.

However, he stated that the proceedings in this case appeared to have been concluded in violation of fair due process.

Muizzu characterized both the fifth amendment to the Judicature Act and the cases filed against three judges at the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) as deliberate attempts to exert undue influence over the judiciary. He stated that these actions were orchestrated to ensure a specific outcome in a case of significant importance to the government.

Muizzu, who also served as the Maldives' first Prosecutor General, further stated that he still believes this was an act carried out with the direct involvement of certain government officials and members of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC).

I believe that both the fifth amendment to the Judicature Act and the allegations reportedly filed with the ACC against these three judges are deliberate attempts to exert undue influence over the judiciary. These actions appear orchestrated to ensure a specific outcome in a case of significant importance to the government. Furthermore, I maintain that this is an ongoing effort involving the active participation of certain government officials and members of the ACC.

Ahmed Muizzu

Looking at the background of this case, the motion to remove the Supreme Court justices was submitted during a period of intense political tension. Specifically, while a case was pending before the Supreme Court seeking to nullify a constitutional amendment that would cause Members of Parliament to lose their seats for switching parties, investigations into judicial misconduct and criminal allegations against the justices were abruptly initiated.

It has been noted that the judges were not afforded an adequate opportunity to respond to the allegations during the investigation that led to their dismissal. Furthermore, despite repeated inquiries from the media regarding the ongoing investigation, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has declined to share any information.

More than a year has passed without the judges being questioned even once. Consequently, many are alleging that the entire process has been conducted outside of legal norms.