MDP Condemns Muizzu’s Move to Downsize Supreme Court as Threat to Judicial Independence

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) accused President Mohamed Muizzu of undermining judicial independence by removing Mohamed Sameer from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and appointing Yazmeed Mohamed, a former anti-corruption official with no legal experience. The opposition warned that changes to the JSC and a proposed reduction in Supreme Court justices aim to influence an ongoing constitutional case challenging a law that strips lawmakers of seats if they leave their party. The MDP alleged ruling party lawmakers were instructed to file complaints against Supreme Court justices and called Muizzu's actions part of a broader attempt to dismantle separation of powers. The government has not commented.

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) accused President Mohamed Muizzu of undermining judicial independence by removing Mohamed Sameer from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and appointing Yazmeed Mohamed, a former anti-corruption official with no legal experience. The opposition warned that changes to the JSC and a proposed reduction in Supreme Court justices aim to influence an ongoing constitutional case challenging a law that strips lawmakers of seats if they leave their party. The MDP alleged ruling party lawmakers were instructed to file complaints against Supreme Court justices and called Muizzu's actions part of a broader attempt to dismantle separation of powers. The government has not commented.

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) accused President Mohamed Muizzu of undermining judicial independence by removing Mohamed Sameer from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and appointing Yazmeed Mohamed, a former anti-corruption official with no legal experience. The opposition warned that changes to the JSC and a proposed reduction in Supreme Court justices aim to influence an ongoing constitutional case challenging a law that strips lawmakers of seats if they leave their party. The MDP alleged ruling party lawmakers were instructed to file complaints against Supreme Court justices and called Muizzu's actions part of a broader attempt to dismantle separation of powers. The government has not commented.

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