Political Allegations Against Dr. Azmiralda and Mahaz Were Unfounded; Compensation is Due: Ali Hussain

Former Member of Parliament for the Kendhoo constituency and legal expert Ali Hussain has stated that the allegations previously leveled against former Supreme Court Justices Dr. Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir were politically motivated, asserting that the state must now provide them with compensation for damages.

The police closed the investigation on the 8th of this month into allegations that two judges had abused their official positions, concluding that there was no evidence of criminal conduct.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program regarding the matter, Ali Hussain stated that given the current situation in the Maldives, the state would pursue charges if even a shred of evidence existed. He noted that the decision to file the case clearly demonstrates the extent of political influence involved. He further remarked that because positions within independent institutions have become roles secured through political connections, actions such as bringing charges are being carried out according to the dictates of politicians.

Furthermore, Ali Hussain stated that while every administration attempts to undermine the authority of the Supreme Court, the current government has taken these efforts to an entirely new level.

In this regard, he noted that judges had been suspended in the middle of proceedings, even while cases were already scheduled for a final ruling.

Ali Hussain stated that the state must provide compensation for the damages caused to the two judges, noting that their reputations had been tarnished and they were publicly humiliated in connection with this case. Furthermore, Ali Hussain argued that since the state has admitted there is insufficient evidence to prosecute them, their positions must also be reinstated.

Consequently, we have witnessed that every administration views the Supreme Court as an institution that must be dismantled. They systematically undermine and diminish its authority. However, this current administration has taken that destruction to an entirely new level. They intervened while a case was actively being deliberated and was on the verge of a ruling. Despite the hearing being scheduled for 10:30 a.m., they suspended all the justices around 9:30 or 10:00 a.m. This represents an unprecedented escalation.

Ali Hussain

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 18 months ago on February 27. The suspension occurred while the Supreme Court was in the process of presiding over a significant constitutional matter involving government interests.

Subsequently, Justice Suood resigned voluntarily on March 6, while Justices Azmiralda and Mahaz were removed by a parliamentary vote on May 14, 2026. Their dismissal drew widespread concern, with many critics asserting that the two judges were not afforded an adequate opportunity to respond to the allegations against them.

Notably, while the investigation was initiated by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the case was handled by the Maldives Police Service. According to available information, the ACC and the police conducted a joint operation regarding this matter in 2026.

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 for switching political parties. In response, Justices Husnu Al Suood and Azmiralda Zahir alleged that the government exerted influence over the Supreme Court in an attempt to obstruct the constitutional proceedings. However, the government has denied all such allegations.