The United Nations has raised serious concerns over the recent dismissal of Supreme Court justices Mahaz Ali Zahir and Azmiralda Zahir, calling it a threat to judicial independence in the Maldives.
In a statement issued by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said the removal of the two justices by the People’s Majlis undermines fundamental principles that protect the judiciary from political interference.
“The dismissal by the Maldives Parliament of two Supreme Court justices raises serious concerns about respect for the independence of the judiciary,” Laurence said.
The justices were removed following an investigation by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), which experts have criticised for breaching established procedures. The JSC did not allow the judges to present evidence in their defence and reportedly denied their request to address the committee overseeing the matter. Parliament also did not provide them with an opportunity to respond before the vote.
A total of 68 members of Parliament voted in favour of the dismissal, while 11 MPs from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) voted against it.
The UN statement noted that the investigation was launched by both the JSC and the Anti-Corruption Commission in February 2025, around the same time the Supreme Court began hearing a case concerning constitutional amendments. The amendments, if upheld, would disqualify MPs who cross party lines from retaining their seats.
“These developments followed the Supreme Court’s hearing of a legal challenge to recent constitutional amendments affecting lawmakers’ ability to cross party lines,” Laurence said. “Concerns have been raised with respect to the conduct of the proceedings against the judges.”
Around the same time, a third Supreme Court justice resigned, and the Chief Justice has since retired, prompting further scrutiny of the broader situation in the judiciary.
Laurence urged Maldivian authorities to uphold their constitutional and international obligations, particularly the need for a strong and independent judiciary.
“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 by all branches of Government and the effective protection of human rights,” he said.
The decision to remove the judges was made by a three-member JSC committee, which included two members appointed by President Mohamed Muizzu. The government has maintained that the timing of the investigation and the changes within the commission were coincidental.
However, legal observers have warned that the lack of due process and the timing of the dismissals could undermine public trust in the judiciary and set a worrying precedent for judicial independence in the Maldives.