The ICJ today condemned the arrest of Judge Ahmed Nihan and called it
a further attack on the independence and integrity of the country’s
judiciary.
“President Abdulla Yameen’s Government has dealt another blow to the
independence of the judiciary and the rule of law,” said Sam Zarifi,
ICJ’s Asia Director.
“The arrest of Judge Ahmed Nihan is another step down in the
country’s downward spiral away from democracy and stability, and is
squarely at odds with the Maldives’ international obligations,” he
added.
Maldivian officials confirmed in a statement that Ahmed Nihan, a
magistrate’s court judge, and Muhthaz Muhsin, former Prosecutor General,
were arrested on Sunday night on charges of forging a warrant for the
arrest of President Abdulla Yameen.
Muhthaz Muhsin was released soon after, but Judge Ahmed Nihan was placed in judicial custody for one week.
“Judge Ahmed Nihan’s arbitrary and seemingly politically motivated
arrest is yet another example of executive highhandedness and the
corrosion of separation of powers in the Maldives,” said Zarifi.
“Undue interference with the Human Rights Commission, the arbitrary
dismissal of the Auditor General, and the unlawful removal of two
Supreme Court justices are just a few examples,” he added.
According to the Maldivian media, the arrest warrant, allegedly
issued by Judge Ahmed Nihan, related to an on-going investigation
against President Abdulla Yameen for embezzlement of state funds.
President Yameen’s spokesperson said in an interview the warrant was
“fraudulent” because it “did not originate from any official authority.”
The Maldivian police (photo) claim the arrest warrant was issued using “falsified information”.
The ICJ calls on the authorities to immediately release Judge Ahmed Nihan and allow him to continue his judicial duties.
Readmore-http://www.icj.org/maldives-arrest-of-judge-ahmed-nihan-further-erodes-judicial-independence/
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