Magistrate Raghib resigns; accuses JSC of becoming a political instrument

Mohamed Raghib Ahmed, the chief magistrate of the K. Atoll judicial district, has resigned from his post amid an impeachment motion filed against him by the Judicial Services Commission (JSC) with the Parliament.

Raghib confirmed his resignation to Sun this Thursday.

He said that he found the current decisions by JSC to be undertaken by politicians, and with political agendas in mind.

He said that he did not believe the current environment within the Maldivian judiciary allowed for him to serve with independence.

Raghib also denied the sexual harassment allegations against him, and said that it was unfounded accusations made by court staff who were unhappy with administrative action he had been taking to improve things within the court.

He said that the decision by JSC disregard his statement, and to file for his impeachment was therefore prejudiced.

JSC, following an inquiry into him over the sexual harassment allegations, found him guilty of ethical misconduct and filed an impeachment motion against him with the Parliament on Wednesday. It has also decided to lodge a criminal complaint against him with the police.

“I am returning home empty-handed after 27 years and nine months of service. I have served multiple courts. But I have never been accused of such a thing. This action is therefore prejudiced,” said Raghib.