Attorney General (AG) Ahmed Usham has lied about the number of suspended and demoted judges since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November 2023.
In a post on X on Friday, Usham said only three judges were suspended and accused the former administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of influencing the judiciary.
"Taking disciplinary action against judges in connection with what they say or decide in the courtroom was ended from November 2023," Usham claimed.
However, according to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) website, five judges, including three Supreme Court Justices, have been suspended since late 2023.
Judges suspended in this government:
- Supreme Court Justice Husnu Suood (February 26, 2025)
- Supreme Court Justice Azmiralda Zahir (February 26, 2025)
- Supreme Court Justice Mahaz Ali (February 26, 2025)
- Vaavu Fulidhoo Chief Magistrate Sheerin Nahidha Lateef (January 16, 2025)
- Alif Alif Ukulhas Chief Magistrate Ahmed Muawiath Qasim (November 28, 2024)
Usham also claimed that no judges have been demoted in the government. But Chief Magistrate Ali Adam of Haa Dhaal Judicial region was demoted on November 20, 2023. He was transferred to Kulhudhuffushi Magistrate Court.
The sudden suspension of three Supreme Court Justices came shortly before a hearing on a petition to quash the constitutional amendment that disqualifies MPs for changing political parties.
But the hearing was cancelled as the full bench must sit for constitutional cases.
On the same morning, the People's Majlis approved an amendment to the Judicature Act to reduce the size of the Supreme Court bench.
The JSC claims that the justices were suspended after the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) began a criminal investigation.
The anti-corruption watchdog has refused to provide any information about the investigation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Azmiralda's legal team said the investigation against the judges was fabricated for political reasons.
Meanwhile, Justice Husnu Suood resigned on February 4 in protest against President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's intimidation of judges.
