Leaked audio catches President saying lower court verdicts will not be implemented

An audio has been leaked of President Nasheed speaking with defence forces yesterday evening, in which he expressed his intention of withholding salaries of lower court Judges. The audio was broadcasted on DhiTV last night.

Press Secretary of President’s Office Mohamed Zuhair said that he is not informed of the President making such a statement. If he did indeed make such a statement, it would have been done within the limits of the law.

In the leaked audio, the President is heard saying to the defence forces that until new Judges are appointed according to the law, the government will not implement verdicts issued by these Judges and also withhold their salaries.

“I have to implement the rulings issued by those Judges. I am also under oath, and I have to act justly,” the President is heard saying in the leaked audio.

The President asked the defence forces to cooperate with the government in this matter, and also to assist in reforming the courts as desired by Maldivian citizens. He also said that it is not his intention to appoint Judges of his choice to the courts.

“It does not matter who works at the courts,” the President said. “I thought it would be wise to discuss this issue with you, as Judges of the courts should be appointed according to the laws and because I have decided to work in this manner.”

President Nasheed fails to comply not only with orders issued by lower courts, but also High Court and Supreme Court. The government has dismissed orders issued by High Court and Supreme Court regarding the arrest of the Chief Judge of Criminal Court Abdulla Mohamed.

He is also heard saying on the audio that opposition groups constantly argue that actions of government institutions are in conflict with the existing laws, however, it is clear that this is not the case.

He also said that the defence forces should continue to carry out their duties steadily and according to the line of command, and that this will result in everything working out perfectly.