Azaan: Judiciary currently being influence the same way as the past

Ruling PNC’s Central Hithadhoo MP Azan Marzooq has voiced concern on Wednesday, stating that the judiciary is currently being influenced in the same way as it was in the past.

Parliament’s Judiciary Committee, in consensus with the recommendation by the Judicial Service Committee (JSC), has approved the dismissal of Supreme Court justices Dr. Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir.

While debating on the Committee’s report on the matter during Wednesday's parliamentary sitting, Azaan said the judiciary has been made a place where whichever government is in power at that time exerts its influence. He added that the same scene was being witnessed today, stressing that just because particular individuals commit a wrongful act, it does not mean it should be repeated.

“The thief who stole a ‘Rihaakuru’ (fish paste) bottle is still in jail. The suspect who stole a shoe was remanded in custody for five days just last week. However, individuals who have committed huge thefts, looting from the state, are free. Justice is not something your average citizen will receive in this country,” he said.

Azaan accused each administration since the green constitution was enacted of exerting influence on the judiciary.

“What is being repeated today is scenes from the past. Just because some people have done something wrong, it does not mean we have to follow in their path,” he said.

Azaan, referring to the Supreme Court as the highest authority in upholding justice, emphasized the importance of integrity among the justices serving on the nation’s top court. However, he added that if there are circumstances where their integrity is called into question, it must be investigated—but strictly in accordance with the law and established regulations.

“The case of the dismissal of Supreme Court justices was not reviewed by JSC in this manner. The hearings in the case were held behind closed doors. Moreover, the meetings held by Parliament’s Judiciary Committee to review JSC’s report were held behind closed doors too,” he said.

“JSC decided against accepting evidence submitted by the justices in this case in their defense. The Parliament’s Committee did not allow the justices to speak in their defense either,” he added.

Azaan underscored that international bodies have raised concern over the case as well, including the United Nations, Commonwealth, and bar councils from neighboring nations.

As such, he appealed for the justices to provide an opportunity to speak in their defense before the final floor vote is taken.

“Anything can be done today because of the supermajority. However, it is against our oath to disregard fairness and do the same just because some people have done so before. I urge my fellow parliamentarians to decide on this while keeping in mind there will be a day other than today,” he said.

However, the ruling PNC used its supermajority to dismiss Azmiralda and Mahaz during the final floor vote.

Azmiralda, Mahaz and then-Supreme Court justice Husnu Al-Suood were suspended by the JSC on February 26th, citing an ongoing investigation against them by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC). All three were hearing a case challenging the controversial move by the ruling PNC – who hold a supermajority in the Parliament - to write anti-defection clauses into the Maldivian constitution.

Both Azmiralda and Suood have accused the government of influencing the judiciary – an allegation denied by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during a press conference on May 3rd.