The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is under fire after former Supreme Court Justice Mahaz Ali Zahir said he, Dr. Azmiralda Zahir, and Husnu Al Suood have not been questioned in a criminal investigation opened over three months ago. This delay, along with their controversial dismissals, raises big questions about fairness and the independence of the judiciary.
Mahaz posted on Facebook, “Holding a case for over three months without questioning is not an investigation.” He warned that ACC members must act fairly to be protected by law. When asked, ACC spokesperson Sama only said the case is “ongoing,” giving no details, even after Right to Information requests. This silence makes people suspicious.
The investigation started this year, targeting the three justices. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC), now led by allies of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, suspended them and began an ethics probe. Husnu Al Suood resigned, blaming political interference. Mahaz and Azmiralda were dismissed without a chance to defend themselves. Parliament, controlled by the ruling party, approved the dismissals without hearings, ignoring basic fairness.
The accusations against the justices seem weak. Mahaz was accused of messaging a judge about Dr. Azmiralda’s husband’s arrest, but records show the message came after the hearing, and no charges were filed. Azmiralda was blamed for being present when Suood allegedly yelled at a court official, but there’s no proof she did anything wrong. Her dismissal seems based on her connections, not her actions.
These justices had strong records. Dr. Azmiralda, the first woman on the High
Court, has degrees from top universities. Mahaz, an author, has a clean legal career. Their replacements, Abdulla Hameed and Mohamed Saleem, have problems. Hameed was removed from the High Court for taking an illegal apartment. Saleem was accused of delaying a key case for former President Abdulla Yameen, raising doubts about his promotion.
The ACC’s delays and the JSC’s unfair dismissals suggest politics, not justice, is in control. The ACC must explain its inaction, and the JSC and Parliament must justify skipping fair hearings. Without answers, trust in the judiciary is crumbling. The Maldives needs a court system that serves justice, not power.
