Shaheed Withdraws From High Court Nomination Amid Public Outcry Over Political Ties

Mohamed Shaheed, senior political activist, has withdrawn his nomination for a judgeship on the High Court of Maldives following public criticism concerning his political affiliations.

According to confirmed sources, Shaheed submitted a formal letter of withdrawal to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) prior to the oath-taking ceremony, which was scheduled for this evening.

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Shaheed was one of two candidates nominated by the JSC to fill two vacant seats on the High Court bench. The vacancies arose earlier this year when two sitting judges were elevated to the Supreme Court. The other nominee, former Civil Court judge Abdulla Jameel Moosa, remains confirmed for appointment.

The nomination of Shaheed, who previously served as deputy minister at the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, had drawn criticism from members of the public and legal observers who expressed concerns over the impact of his political background on judicial independence.

Meanwhile, the Civil Court has accepted a request for a temporary injunction to prevent Shaheed’s appointment as a High Court judge. Although the court accepted the request, it has not yet ruled on whether to issue a temporary order.