Maldives wants foreign help to investigate judges

The Maldives is seeking international help to investigate two of its top judges, a senior diplomat has said.

Two Supreme Court judges, who are under police investigation for accepting bribes and attempting to overthrow the government, have visited various countries and purchased expensive properties and items, the Maldives ambassador to Belgium and the European Union Ahmed Shiaan told Reuters.

Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and Justice Ali Hameed were arrested after the Supreme Court issued a ruling that freed nine opposition leaders and reinstated an opposition majority in parliament, a blow to the government of President Abdulla Yameen.

After refusing to enforce the ruling for days, Yameen declared a state of emergency and arrested Saeed and Hameed. The remaining three judges annulled the parts of the ruling that were unfavourable to the president.