UN Raises Alarm Over Maldives Supreme Court Impeachments, Urges Judicial Independence

May 19, 2025 : The United Nations has expressed serious concerns over the Maldives Parliament’s impeachment of two Supreme Court justices, citing threats to judicial independence in the island nation.

In a statement released Monday, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said the removal of Justices Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir raises red flags about the integrity and autonomy of the judiciary.

“The dismissal by the Maldives Parliament of two Supreme Court justices raises serious concerns about respect for the independence of the judiciary,” the OHCHR said.

The move came after investigations were launched in February 2025 by the Anti-Corruption Commission and Judicial Service Commission (JSC). During the same period, another Supreme Court justice resigned, and Chief Justice Ahmed Muthasim Adnan retired — raising questions about political interference in the judiciary. These events coincided with the court reviewing a legal challenge to constitutional amendments that restrict lawmakers from switching parties.

The OHCHR emphasized the importance of judicial independence, urging Maldives authorities to adhere to constitutional and international human rights commitments.

“Checks and balances between the different branches of the State, including a strong and independent judiciary, play a vital role in ensuring fidelity to the rule of law and the protection of human rights,” the UN body noted.

According to Al Jazeera, the People’s National Congress (PNC), which holds a parliamentary supermajority, voted on May 14 to impeach the judges on allegations of abuse of power, passing the motion with 68 votes in favour and 11 against.

The vote took place amid public protests, with demonstrators demanding the resignation of President Mohamed Muizzu and an end to what they described as the “intimidation of judges.” The JSC, reportedly influenced by Muizzu’s allies, had earlier suspended the two judges along with Justice Husnu al-Suood, who later resigned, accusing the president and Attorney General Ahmed Usham of attempting to manipulate court proceedings.

In a strongly worded statement, Justice Azmiralda condemned the impeachment:

“This is an attack on the Maldivian judiciary… My hope is that one day, when the rule of law is established in this country, all of the officials who took part in destroying the Supreme Court are held accountable,” she said.

The developments mark a growing political and institutional crisis in the Maldives, with implications for rule of law, separation of powers, and democratic governance.