ICG calls for Judge Nihan’s immediate release

International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) has called for the immediate release of A. Dh. Maamingili Magistrate Court Judge Ahmed Nihan, who is under arrest for forging a warrant for President Abdulla Yameen’s arrest.

ICJ released a press statement in which they said that Judge Nihan’s arrest was a further attack on independence and integrity of Maldivian judiciary.

“President Abdulla Yameen’s Government has dealt another blow to the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law,” said Sam Zarifi, ICJ’s Asia Director.

ICJ said that Maldives was on a downward spiral away from democracy and stability, and that Judge Nihan’s arrest was another step down.

Both Judge Nihan and former Prosecutor General Muhthaz Muhsin are under arrest for the forged arrest warrant which calls for President Yameen to be arrested as part of investigation into Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (PPMRC) corruption scandal.

“Judge Ahmed Nihan’s arbitrary and seemingly politically motivated arrest is yet another example of executive highhandedness and the corrosion of separation of powers in the Maldives,” said Zarifi, expressing dissatisfaction for interference with Human Right

Commission of Maldives (HRCM), dismissal of former Auditor General and removal of two Supreme Court judges.

ICJ appealed to Maldivian government to implement on human rights and rule of law – specifically independence of justice system – that the country received as part of the UN Universal Periodic Review process; and called for Judge Nihan’s immediate release so that he can go back to performing duties as a judge.