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Comment By UN Human Rights Office Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence On The Maldives
Geneva, 19 May 2025
The dismissal by the Maldives Parliament of two Supreme Court justices raises serious concerns about respect for the independence of the judiciary.
Investigations were initiated against the judges by the Anti-Corruption Commission and Judicial Service Commission in February 2025. Around the same time, a third Supreme Court justice resigned, and the Chief Justice has subsequently retired.
Concerns have been raised with respect to the conduct of the proceedings against the judges. These developments followed the Supreme Court's hearing of a legal challenge to recent Constitutional amendments affecting lawmakers' ability to cross party lines.
We remind the authorities of their commitment to maintain and protect an independent judiciary, in line with the Maldives' Constitution and international human rights obligations. 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.
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