MDP holds protest calling to suspend salaries of lower court Judges

MDP members held a protest today outside the Supreme Court, calling the Finance Ministry to suspend the salaries of Judges of all courts with the exceptions of High Court and Supreme Court.

The protest began at around 5.00pm in the name of “getting the judiciary on the right track” and was led by MDP Vice President Alhan Fahmee. The first speech was made by former member of JSC and current Deputy Home Minister Aishath Velezinee.

Velezinee said that the oath taken by the Judges is against the existing laws, and that this is a result of JSC’s failure to fulfil its responsibilities. She also said that JSC was a well-run institution before it was destroyed by Abdulla Mohamed.

Riot police arrived at the scene about ten minutes into her speech. Velezinee ended her speech and left the area shortly afterwards.

Besides Velezinee, Alhan was the only speaker at the protest which continued till dusk. Criticizing Kulhudhuffushi Dhekunu MP Mohamed Nasheed, Alhan said that Judge Abdulla is not the only Maldivian citizen to have lost his rights.

“Is it only now that Nasheed wants to start talking about rights?” Alhan asked.

He further said that the Judges have entered the courts through the “back door” and called the Finance Minister Mohamed Shihab to suspend their salaries until the issue is solved by JSC.

As the protest turned serious, riot police moved the crowd backwards up to Bandaara Miskiy. The leaders of the protesters were lifted and carried from the area when they sat on the ground in front of Supreme Court. Some unrest took place when Alhan and Baarah MP Mohamed Shifaz were also removed from the area in this manner.

When the Police removed him from Supreme Court area, Alhan continued to speak in front of Bandaara Miskiy. He said that people are protesting against the arrest of Judge Abdulla because “they want a judicial system in the Maldives similar to mafia gang systems”.

Alhan also directed heavy criticism at former MDP member Abdulla Jabir.

Today’s protest ended with the announcement of a “You cannot say that” meeting at MDP main hall tonight as well.