Judicial system is back to its pre-2008 state: Ibra

Former President of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Ibrahim Ismail has said that the current judicial system in the Maldives is the same as it was prior to 2008, before the new Constitution came into force.

Ibra made this statement while speaking at a press conference held today at the MDP Office by Ibra and former member of Judicial Service Commission Aishath Velizinee.

“We should be concerned because, the judicial system showed signs of improvement following the implementation of the new Constitution in 2008. However after the transfer of power on 7 February, the system is going backwards – to the state it was in back in 2004,” Ibra said.

He said that people are deprived of human rights as a result of the poor state of the current criminal procedure system, and that this leaves people in constant fear.

Ibra said that it is the responsibility of the Parliament to correct the judicial system.

When asked if he believes that the current Parliament would work towards making these improvements, Ibra said, “I believe that the Commission’s investigation of the transfer of power will reveal that several Members of Parliament were involved. Several Parliament seats will end up being vacant.”