JSC takes statements from three justices reg. controversial February 2018 order

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has taken statements from three Supreme Court justices, following the controversial February 2018 order.

JSC said that Chief Justice Abdulla Didi and Justices Adam Mohamed Abdulla and Abdulla Areef have provided their statements over the case.

The three justices had also signed the February 2018 order, seeking the immediate release of nine high-profile political prisoners.

However, the three -Justices Abdulla Areef, Ahmed Abdulla Didi and Adam Mohamed- reversed the controversial ruling after the arrest of the remaining two justices, who were subsequently charged and convicted over the matter.

Then-President Abdulla Yameen had refused to implement the order and had instead declared a nation-wide state of emergency which allowed the arrest of the top court justices.

Last Wednesday, JSC revealed it has launched a probe into allegations against three Supreme Court justices, including the chief justice.

The commission is investigating two complaints against Chief Justice Ahmed Abdulla Didi and Justices Mohamed Abdulla and Abdulla Areef.

A seven-member investigation committee was formed at the meeting.

They are; JSC Vice President Masthooru Hussain and members Abdul Rauf Ibrahim, Mohamed Easafulhu, Hisaan Hussain, Abdul Hannan Ahmed, Dr. Ali Shameem and Attorney General Ibrahim Riffath.

With the addition of these three justices, a total of four -out of five- justices are currently under investigation as JSC is also investigating Justice Abdulla Didi.