Maldives - April 2025

Three Supreme Court judges were suspended in April 2024 in what they allege is an intimidation campaign by the President and Attorney General to compel them to side with the government in the judicial review of a constitutional amendment. The government cited an ongoing disciplinary investigation against the justices as the reason for the suspensions, but the justices deny the allegations. The amendment in question, passed in November 2024, established an anti-defection law for members of parliament. The amendment process was also criticized for being rushed and lacking proper legal consultation. Collectively, these developments are seen as undermining judicial independence and increasing the risk of political interference in the courts. The United Nations and rights experts raised serious concerns over the suspensions.

Sources: Human Rights Watch, Devdiscourse, Raajje, Jurist, Transparency International