JSC suspends and dismisses judges, at first meeting with new members

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has decided to suspend and dismiss judges, during its first meeting with two newly appointed members.

In a press conference held on Wednesday, the Commission revealed the decision to suspend Supreme Court Justice Abdulla Didi and Family Court Chief Judge Hassan Saeed.

Speaking there, JSC’s director Hassan Zaheen said that a vote was taken- in both cases- at Wednesday’s meeting.

He noted that Didi was suspended after a bribery case was filed against him, by the incumbent parliament speaker.

The speaker, former President Nasheed, had earlier this month submitted a complaint at the Commission, claiming that Supreme Court Justice Abdulla Didi accepted a bribe of USD one million to sentence him to prison. Nasheed was sentenced to 13 years, over terror charges, in March 2015.

While Judge Abdulla has denied this, RaajjeMV understands that the money was transferred to his wife’s account.

JSC noted that the Maldives Police Service is currently investigating the matter.

JSC further said that the Family Court chief judge was suspended over a case filed there, but did not reveal any details.

Zaheen said that the commission investigating the case had decided to suspend him as the probe continues.

In addition, the JSC members decided to remove Thinadhoo Court’s Magistrate Ibrahim Rasheed, over a sexual harassment issue.

The matter is to be forwarded to the parliament.

This is the first time that the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) passed to remove a judge.

While this was JSC’s 33rd meeting, this is the first meeting held since the appointment of parliament Speaker Nasheed and Thulhaadhoo constituency MP Hisaan Hussain. Nine, out of 10 members, attended Wednesday’s meeting.