Nazil says court rulings confirm political motives behind judges’ removal
14 އޮކްޓޯބަރު 2026 | ބުދަ 08:18The opposition has expressed serious concern over allegations of government interference in the judiciary following the police's decision to clear several judges of criminal wrongdoing. Consequently, the party has called for a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure the continued independence and integrity of the judicial system.
Ibrahim Nazil, the Member of Parliament for South Hithadhoo and Leader of the MDP Parliamentary Group speaking on RaajjeTV's Fala Surukhee programme. | raajje tv
Ibrahim Nazil, the Member of Parliament for South Hithadhoo and Leader of the MDP Parliamentary Group, has stated that the removal of former Supreme Court Justices Uz. Mahaz Ali Zahir and Dr. Azmiralda Zahir was carried out in a deeply concerning manner, devoid of any established principles or due process.
Speaking on RaajjeTV’s "Fala Surukhee" program, Nazil stated that the MDP has now submitted a resolution to Parliament, citing the need for further investigation into the procedures followed in the dismissal of the two judges.
Nazil stated that it is a serious concern that the justices of the Maldives' highest court can be removed whenever the government desires. He further characterized the move as a significant blow to the judiciary, asserting that it was carried out in complete violation of established procedures and regulations.
Furthermore, Nazil stated that judges in the Maldives are currently forced to work in an environment of fear, adding that no one can predict what might happen to them today.
Positive reforms brought to the judiciary have been reversed since this administration took office, Nazil alleged, asserting that these setbacks are a direct result of the President’s interference in the judicial system. He further noted that since the police have now closed the cases against the judges citing a lack of evidence, it is now confirmed that the previous actions taken to remove them from the bench were driven by political influence.
The police have closed the investigation into allegations of abuse of power against former Supreme Court Justices Mahaz Ali Zahir and Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, concluding that no criminal offense was committed. Although the case was initially launched by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), relevant authorities have yet to clarify whether a joint investigation was subsequently conducted between the ACC and the police.
Regarding this case, the judges had previously asserted that the investigation was politically motivated and conducted while they were presiding over a matter involving significant government interests. With the judges cleared of all criminal charges, opposition figures continue to raise questions over the validity of the decision to remove them from their posts.
