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Friday 24 Jan 2025
LOCAL EDITION
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LOCAL EDITION
Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM) said today that the judicial system of the country does have problems; however, these problems cannot be addressed by arresting the Chief Judge of Criminal Court Abdulla Mohamed.
Members of HRCM expressed concern over the case of Judge Abdulla when summoned for questioning by the Parliament’s Independent Institutions Committee. They noted that Judge Abdulla has been denied his freedom and basic rights ever since he was arrested and taken away to K. Girifushi by the military.
President of HRCM Maryam Azra said that to date, the reason for Judge Abdulla’s arrest has not been disclosed, and that he is even denied the right to a lawyer. 48 hours passed before his whereabouts were disclosed - when any detained person must be produced in a court for hearings within 24 hours of his arrest.
Azra said that these are rights guaranteed to every Maldivian citizen by the constitution. MNDF has also dismissed all orders to release Judge Abdulla.
She also said that investigations are being conducted into this case, and that assistance from foreign groups is being obtained in this regard. Discussions have been held with the Police and Prosecutor General (PG); however, no cooperation has been received from MNDF or Attorney General (AG). She said that the judicial system does have problems and that the Commission is looking into this as well.
Responding to inquiries by Committee members, HRCM member Abdul Kareem said that according to article 1 of the enforced disappearance treaty, there are no ‘special’ cases which legitimize the enforced disappearance of an individual. Even if the country is at war, or is facing domestic or political problems, there are no excuses for the enforced disappearance of an individual.
HRCM said that they have met with Judge Abdulla on four occasions while he remains detained in Girifushi. Azra said that he is in good health condition and “has the freedom to move around in the island”.
