Judicial Reform

It’s not only political prisoners who need a fair judiciary – businesses need it too

Op-ed by Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and co-founder of Soneva resorts.

MDP MPs impatient to remove Supreme Court justices

Parliament debated a report about unconstitutional decisions by the top court.

Probe recommends censure of Supreme Court justices

The watchdog decided to advise the top judges.

Supreme Court accused Kriegler of making threats

The announcement follows a meeting between the South African legal consultant and justices on Wednesday

Retired South African judge assisting with judicial reform

Johann Kriegler is conducting an assessment of the Maldives judiciary.

Chief Justice slams MDP’s proposals for judicial reform

Chief Justice Didi conceded the need for judicial reform and decried political influence.

MDP proposes sweeping changes for judicial reform

The MDP proposes a dramatic reduction in the powers of the Supreme Court.

Suspension lifted for eight lawyers

Of the 54 lawyers who were suspended in August for signing a petition calling for judicial reform, 17 are still barred from appearing in court.

Suspension lifted for sixteen more lawyers

The suspension was reportedly lifted after the lawyers formally apologised in writing to the apex court for signing a petition calling for judicial reform.

Supreme Court urged to lift mass suspension of lawyers

“None of the 56 lawyers has been allowed to exercise their right to defend themselves or be heard before a disciplinary action,” noted the International Commission of Jurists, Transparency International, Forum Asia, and Frontline Defenders together with local NGO Maldivian Democracy Network.

Petition from lawyers for judicial reform

A group of Maldivian lawyers outlined serious concerns with the independence and functioning of the judiciary in a petition calling for wide-ranging reforms.

54 lawyers suspended over ‘unlawful’ judicial reform petition

The four-party opposition coalition reacted to the unprecedented mass suspension by calling on the international community to consider imposing targeted travel and financial sanctions on Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed.

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.

Yameen concedes need for judicial reform, appeals for MDP to join talks

President Abdulla Yameen conceded Wednesday the need for reforming the Maldivian judiciary and renewed appeals for the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party to engage in dialogue with the government to resolve a year-long political crisis.

Amnesty slams Maldives for lack of action on judicial reform

Amnesty International has slammed President Abdulla Yameen’s administration over its failure to address mounting concern over judicial independence.

Prominent religious scholars call for judicial reform

Citing verses of the Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad’s hadith, a group of 31 prominent religious scholars have urged Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and the judicial watchdog to stem the tide of eroding public trust and confidence in the Maldivian judiciary.

Maldives accepts UPR recommendations on judicial reform

The judiciary came under fire during the Maldives’ Universal Periodic Review in May over “politicisation,” inadequate qualification of judges, and lack of conformity to international fair trial standards as well as the Supreme Court’s contempt of court cases against the Elections Commission and Human Rights Commission of Maldives.

Maldives defers decision on UPR recommendations for judicial reform

MDN to seek court order compelling JSC to reconsider Judge Hameed decision

Chief Justice Faiz previously alleged bribery in interim Supreme Court: Nasheed