Tuesday
16th Apr 2024
Dhivehi Edition
Judge Ahmed Shakeel
Maldives Judiciary Promotes Judge Involved in Controversial Verdict Against Former President Yameen
President Solih and Judge Shakeel.
The Judicial Services Commission (JSC) of the Maldives, which oversees the judicial system, has decided to elevate Ahmed Shakeel, the chief judge of the Maldives Criminal Court, to the High Court. Following the retirement of one of the High Court justices, Shakeel applied for the position.
Notably, Shakeel was the judge who presided over the money laundering case of former President Yameen, who was sentenced to 11 years in prison on December 25th, 2022. However, rumors circulated at the time that Shakeel's promotion was contingent on delivering the verdict.
It should be noted that after President Yameen was sentenced to five years in jail in 2019, the judge who oversaw that case was promptly promoted to the Maldives Supreme Court. These promotions following high-profile cases suggest that judicial decisions are politically motivated.
There are increasing concerns about the politicization of the Maldives judiciary. A neutral and independent judiciary is critical to ensure justice for all and uphold the rule of law.