Maldives under fire from UN rights expert

There were irregularities in the trials of the two top judges, said the UN rights expert.

Authorities must act against ‘influenced’ judges

Secret witness testimonies related to the terror trials of former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, his son Faris and two top judges were leaked on Twitter earlier this week.

Yameen murder trial hearings will be open, says PG office

Abusive judicial discretion in the Maldives

The Maldivian judiciary has restricted the media’s right to report court proceedings, undermined the autonomy of independent bodies, and arbitrarily disbarred lawyers, writes Shamsul Falaah.

Judiciary denies closing high court northern branch after transferring staff to Malé

The department of judicial administration insisted that the northern branch on the island of Kulhudhufushi has not been shut down due to budget constraints. The judiciary was mandated to set up the branch by legal changes approved more than two years ago.

Lawmakers hail long-awaited evidence bill

Lawmakers have hailed a proposed new evidence law as key to addressing longstanding challenges faced by the judiciary and strengthening the criminal justice system.

Government wants to delay the enforcement of Criminal Procedures Act

The government has proposed a bill delaying the enforcement of a landmark law on criminal procedures, prompting criticism that the government is not committed to reforming the criminal justice system.

Maumoon’s monsters

Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s own creation—one of the most corrupt judiciaries in the world—has finally turned around and bit the hand of its Master, writes Azra Naseem.

Watchdog reacts furiously to Commonwealth plan for judicial reform

The JSC says it was not consulted on the Commonwealth’s plan to hire a lawyer to assist in reforming the commission and the judiciary

Maldives’ most senior female judge quits

Dr Azmiralda Zahir, the Maldives’ most senior female judge, resigned from the high court this morning in protest against her transfer to a regional branch in southern Addu City.

Judges pledge to tackle human-trafficking

Maldivian judges have pledged their support to end human trafficking, agreeing to hold awareness sessions with contractors and use a special logo on all construction bid invitations by the judiciary.

Chief Justice calls 2015 a successful year for Maldives judges

Declaring 2015 a success for the embattled Maldivian judiciary on Tuesday, Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed vowed to uphold the Maldivian state and protect citizen’s rights.

Ex MP denies bribing president, judges to avoid jail sentence

Former MP Abdulla Jabir has denied paying MVR10 million (US$648,500) to President Abdulla Yameen to influence the outcome of his trial in early 2014 after the opposition-aligned station Raajje TV aired a phone conversation between the resort businessmen and former Tourism Minister Ahmed Adeeb.

Nasheed must appeal at Supreme Court, says President Yameen

The government has done all it could to ensure former President Mohamed Nasheed’s right to appeal his conviction on terrorism charges, President Abdulla Yameen said last night, and advised the opposition leader to file an appeal at the Supreme Court after the High Court rejected the state’s appeal of his 13-year jail sentence.

Keeping up with the authoritarians

Why is the international community reluctant to let go of the ‘democracy’ label for the Maldives? Does it arise from a fear of acknowledging defeat, or is it simply because international actors are not keeping up with the authoritarians in the Maldives? asks Azra Naseem.

Courts unlikely to clear backlog by Supreme Court deadline

It now appears unlikely that Maldives courts will be able to clear long- pending cases when the one-month period imposed by the Supreme Court expires on September 12.

Maldivians reluctant to seek help from courts due to corruption, finds study

A new study has identified corruption in the Maldives as the leading factor in lack of public confidence in the justice sector. Many Maldivians, therefore, want to settle disputes out of court.

Judges’ integrity and ethics in question five years after life appointment

Data published by the JSC show there are now only 14 judges who lack the required academic qualifications. But the JSC’s performance in investigating complaints against judges remained dismal. Only 39 of 150 complaints were fully investigated in 2014.

US ready to ‘deepen partnership’ with Maldives, seeks progress on democracy

Supreme Court bans clubs and associations within judiciary