Human Rights Watch has called on the Maldives government to reinstate three Supreme Court justices—Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, Mahaz Ali Zahir, and Husnu Al Suood—who were suspended by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) under what observers describe as politically motivated disciplinary actions.
The suspensions occurred as the Supreme Court was preparing to rule on a politically sensitive constitutional amendment that could strip parliamentarians of their seats if they leave or are expelled from their parties. The justices allege they were threatened by the Attorney General, who sits on the JSC, and were denied fair hearing rights during the disciplinary process. One judge has since resigned in protest.
Critics argue that President Mohamed Muizzu’s administration is interfering with the judiciary to neutralize checks on executive power. The JSC has a documented history of politicization, including past removals of judges under former President Abdulla Yameen.
The suspensions violate both the Maldivian Constitution and international legal norms, including the UN Basic Principles on the Independence of the Judiciary, which guarantee due process and protect judges from removal except in cases of gross misconduct.
Human Rights Watch urged Muizzu to end the intimidation of judges and called on international donors to pressure the government to uphold democratic norms.