UN Voices Concern Over Dismissal of Supreme Court Justices

The United Nations expressed serious concern over the dismissal of Supreme Court justices Mahaz Ali Zahir and Azmiralda Zahir by the Maldives Parliament (People's Majlis), calling it a threat to judicial independence. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesperson Jeremy Laurence stated that the removal undermines protections against political interference. The justices were dismissed after an investigation by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which critics say breached procedures; the JSC did not allow the judges to present evidence or address the committee. Parliament voted 68-11 in favor, with opposition MDP voting against. The UN noted the investigation began in February 2025 around the time the Supreme Court heard a case on constitutional amendments disqualifying MPs who cross party lines. A third justice resigned and the Chief Justice retired. Laurence urged authorities to uphold judicial independence. The JSC committee included two members appointed by President Mohamed Muizzu.

The United Nations expressed serious concern over the dismissal of Supreme Court justices Mahaz Ali Zahir and Azmiralda Zahir by the Maldives Parliament (People's Majlis), calling it a threat to judicial independence. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesperson Jeremy Laurence stated that the removal undermines protections against political interference. The justices were dismissed after an investigation by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which critics say breached procedures; the JSC did not allow the judges to present evidence or address the committee. Parliament voted 68-11 in favor, with opposition MDP voting against. The UN noted the investigation began in February 2025 around the time the Supreme Court heard a case on constitutional amendments disqualifying MPs who cross party lines. A third justice resigned and the Chief Justice retired. Laurence urged authorities to uphold judicial independence. The JSC committee included two members appointed by President Mohamed Muizzu.

The United Nations expressed serious concern over the dismissal of Supreme Court justices Mahaz Ali Zahir and Azmiralda Zahir by the Maldives Parliament (People's Majlis), calling it a threat to judicial independence. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights spokesperson Jeremy Laurence stated that the removal undermines protections against political interference. The justices were dismissed after an investigation by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which critics say breached procedures; the JSC did not allow the judges to present evidence or address the committee. Parliament voted 68-11 in favor, with opposition MDP voting against. The UN noted the investigation began in February 2025 around the time the Supreme Court heard a case on constitutional amendments disqualifying MPs who cross party lines. A third justice resigned and the Chief Justice retired. Laurence urged authorities to uphold judicial independence. The JSC committee included two members appointed by President Mohamed Muizzu.

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