Case against Justice Mahaz dismissed; JSC finds no evidence of abuse of power
8 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ބުރާސްފަތި 11:17The Maldives Police Service has concluded that no criminal offense was committed by former Supreme Court Justices Mahaz Ali Zahir and Dr. Azmiralda Zahir in a case alleging abuse of power. The case was officially filed following the Prosecutor General’s Office's decision not to pursue charges, while the former justices have maintained that the investigation was a politically motivated attempt to exert influence during their deliberation of a case involving significant government interests.
Former Supreme Court Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir. | RaajjeMV
The police have stated that there is no evidence of criminal conduct in the case against former Supreme Court Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir, who was accused of misusing his official position.
The police report regarding the investigation into allegations that Mahaz abused his official position concluded that, following a thorough review of the evidence and facts gathered, there are no grounds to believe a criminal offense was committed.
Consequently, the document states that the case has been filed and closed by the service, following the Prosecutor General’s Office's decision not to pursue charges.
This case originated from a notification sent by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), alleging that a criminal investigation was being conducted into three Supreme Court justices: Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, Mahaz Ali Zahir, and Husnu Al Suood. The JSC immediately suspended the three justices following that notification, which was received approximately a year and a half ago on February 27. The suspension occurred while the Supreme Court was presiding over a significant constitutional matter involving the interests of the government.
This investigation was initiated by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). However, the case was formally examined by the Maldives Police Service. Reports indicate that the ACC and the police conducted a joint operation regarding this matter in 2026.
Police have announced that the case involving former Supreme Court Justice Dr. Azmiralda Zahir has been filed. The decision follows an investigation into allegations of abuse of power, with authorities concluding there is insufficient evidence to suggest any criminal misconduct occurred.
In connection with this matter, Justice Suood resigned voluntarily on March 6, while Justices Azmiralda and Mahaz were removed from their posts on May 14 following a vote in the People’s Majlis. The removal of the two justices drew widespread concern, with many critics highlighting that they were dismissed without being granted an adequate opportunity to respond to the allegations against them.
Mahaz has also formally addressed a letter to the Prosecutor General’s Office regarding this matter. In its response on Thursday, the PG Office stated that it had decided to decline the case following a thorough review. The office further noted that this decision was communicated to the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on September 28.
The three judges were suspended while they were presiding over a constitutional challenge filed at the Supreme Court against a recent amendment, which mandates that Members of Parliament lose their seats if they switch political parties. In response to the move, Justices Husnu Al Suood and Azmiralda Zahir alleged that the government attempted to obstruct the constitutional case by exerting undue influence over the Supreme Court. However, the government has categorically denied all such allegations.
