MDP condemns Supreme Court penalty to Judge Mariyam

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has expressed concern over Supreme Court order that Civil Court judge, Judge Mariyam Waheed will no longer have any jurisdiction to hear any case in any Maldivian court.

In a statement issued by MDP this Sunday, the party said such an action had never been taken against a judge in any country which has fairness and development instilled in its foundation.

MDP said that the action against Judge Mariyam was taken while she had no investigation, charge or trial pending against her, and without being allowed any opportunity to speak in her defense.

It said that the ban order was issued with no role on the part of Judicial Service Commission or People’s Majlis – the only two institutions which the Constitution has empowered to take action against judges.

It said the ban order against Jude Mariyam was therefore void.

MDP alleged the ban order was influenced by the Maldivian government. And that the action was a violation of the Maldivian Constitutional, Maldivian laws and international conventions.

MDP said that the ban order was a dangerous threat against judges.

“And it’s an action against a judge which blatantly violates the Maldivian Constitution, laws and international conventions. We therefore consider this a dangerous threat against judges working with impartiality in Maldives,” read the statement.

Supreme Court issued the ban order on Judge Mariyam following a complaint filed by Attorney General’s Office that she issued a verdict in violation of a Supreme Court ruling.

Meanwhile, Judicial Service Commission reports it has not made a decision regarding the issue.