Maldives (Commonwealth Union)_ In a move that has triggered widespread concern both domestically and internationally, the Maldives Parliament has voted to remove two sitting Supreme Court justices, Dr. Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir. The decision, passed on Wednesday, was spearheaded by the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), which holds a commanding supermajority in the 87-member legislative body. A total of 68 members voted in favor of the dismissal, while only 11 opposed the motion. This development marks a significant escalation in tensions between the country’s judiciary and the executive-led legislature, prompting fears about the erosion of judicial independence in the Maldives.
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The dismissal follows a controversial series of events that began in February 2025. Accordingly, on February 26, the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) suspended Justices Azmiralda, Mahaz, and Husnu Al-Suood. The JSC cited ongoing investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) as justification, though critics argue the suspensions were politically motivated. At the time, the justices were hearing a pivotal case related to the PNC’s constitutional amendments aimed at introducing stricter rules to expel Members of Parliament who defect from their parties. Opponents viewed the move as an attempt to suppress dissent within the legislature.
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Justice Suood later resigned in protest, denouncing the suspension process as fundamentally unjust. Despite the resignation, the JSC continued its actions against Azmiralda and Mahaz, alleging that they attempted to influence a judge regarding the case of Dr. Ismail Latheef, Azmiralda’s husband, who was arrested during a police operation. However, reports indicate that Latheef had already been released at the time of the alleged communication, a point both justices raised in their defense. They maintain that they were denied the opportunity to present their case or defend themselves before the Judiciary Committee.
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The Judiciary Committee’s review, led by PNC MP Husnee Mubarik, did not allow either justice to testify or provide evidence in their defense. The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) boycotted the closed-door session in protest. Even the Parliament’s own legal advisor, Counsel General Fathimath Filza, warned that the removal process did not follow due process and could violate constitutional safeguards. Despite these warnings, the PNC moved ahead with the parliamentary vote. Only one PNC member, MP Ahmed Azaan Marzooq, opposed the motion, signaling the near-total alignment of the ruling party in pushing forward the dismissals.
Furthermore, concerns have also been raised about the timing of the suspensions, which occurred just one hour before the Supreme Court was scheduled to hear the critical case on anti-defection amendments. In a parallel move, the PNC also passed legislation to reduce the number of Supreme Court justices from seven to five, further heightening suspicions that these changes are part of a broader strategy to consolidate control over the judiciary. Adding to the controversy, a key witness against the justices, former High Court official Hussain Mohamed Haneef, was recently appointed to a senior position at Fenaka Corporation, a state-owned enterprise. Critics argue this appointment may have been politically motivated.
Additionally, international legal organizations have also expressed deep concern. The Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA), the Bar Council of Maldives, Human Rights Watch, LAWASIA, and the Bar Association of India have all issued statements questioning the legality and fairness of the removals. LAWASIA warned that the suspensions “have thrown into question the adherence to the principles of rule of law, due process and independence of the judiciary in Maldives.” furthermore, Dr. Azmiralda Zahir released a six-page statement condemning the JSC and Parliament, accusing them of undermining the judiciary. “One day, those who crushed the Supreme Court will be held accountable,” she wrote.
Former President Mohamed Nasheed also weighed in, lamenting the trend of judicial reshuffling after each election cycle. He emphasized the urgent need for systemic reform to protect the courts from political interference. Additionally, opposition leader Abdulla Shahid raised the issue with European Parliament officials, warning that unchecked parliamentary power over the judiciary poses a threat to democratic governance. As the Maldives Parliament approves the removal of two Supreme Court justices, legal experts warn that weakening the judiciary’s independence could have long-lasting consequences for the nation’s democratic institutions.
