MDP Expresses “Grave Concern” over SC Justices’ Suspension, Calls on JSC to Release their Suspension

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) expressed “grave concern” yesterday over the ongoing suspension of three Supreme Court justices and urged the Judiciary Service Commission (JSC) to promptly release the suspended justices.

In a statement published by the party, they expressed grave concern over the suspension of Supreme Court Justices Husnu Al Suood, Mahaz Ali Zahir, and Dr. Azmiralda Zahir three months ago. Since then, Justice Suood has resigned from his position. 

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MDP considers the suspension of the judges a calculated move by the government to gain control of one of the state’s three powers: the judiciary. 

“The Maldivian Democratic Party believes the Government paralysed the Supreme Court as it was certain that the Supreme Court would rule in favour of the petitioner in a case challenging the unconstitutional amendment to the Constitution that allowed for the removal of Members of the Parliament, and it would invalidate the amendment,” the party said. 

Press Statement by the Maldivian Democratic Party calling to lift the suspension on Justices of the Supreme Court pic.twitter.com/8BiRScG5UH— MDP Secretariat (@MDPSecretariat) April 16, 2025

The party also said this is a direct violation of democratic principles and calls upon the JSC and the government to take action against this matter.

“Therefore, we call upon the Judicial Service Commission and the Government of Maldives to immediately cease the politically motivated investigations initiated against these Justices and to immediately lift the suspension against Justices, uphold the independence of the Judiciary and the rights and protections afforded to these Justices under Maldives Constitution and the laws of the Maldives,” MDP said in their statement. 

The opposition party also requested that the parliament closely monitor the JSC and the government in relation to these cases and take action when necessary.

In their statement, they highlighted that the suspension of the justices has led to several Supreme Court cases remaining halted, some of which pertain to matters relating to national and public interest.