UN raises concern at Maldives sacking judges
Flag of United Nation (Photo: AP)
The top UN rights body raised concerns on Monday over the impeachment of two Supreme Court judges in the Maldives, which effectively stalled the review of a new law banning defections by parliamentarians.
The United Nations Human Rights Office said the sacking by Male's parliament of two justices raised questions about the independence of the judiciary in the Indian Ocean archipelago.
"We remind the authorities of their commitment to maintain and protect an independent judiciary, in line with the Maldives' constitution and international human rights obligations," spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said in Geneva.
The two judges, Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir, were suspended in February and dismissed this month.
Another judge, Husnu Al Suood, who was also accused of misconduct, resigned.
With the unrelated retirement of another judge, the seven-member Supreme Court has been reduced to just three judges, leaving the superior court in limbo.
"Checks and balances between the different branches of the state, including a strong and independent judiciary, play a vital role in ensuring fidelity to the rule of law by all branches of government and the effective protection of human rights," Laurence said.
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The Maldivian government denied it was interfering with the judiciary.
"The government remains fully committed to maintaining the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law," foreign minister Abdulla Khaleel said on social media.
President Mohamed Muizzu's party, the People's National Congress, enjoys an overwhelming majority in parliament, but has proposed constitutional amendments to prevent its members from defecting to the opposition.
An opposition parliamentarian challenged the constitutionality of last year's anti-defection law, and the Supreme Court decided to take it up despite objections from the government.
The Maldives is known for its upmarket tourism, but is also facing a severe shortage of foreign exchange, partly due to heavy borrowings from China and India.
It has refused to seek an International Monetary Fund bailout and instead signed a deal with a Dubai-based company this month for an $8.8 billion investment to set up a financial free zone.
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