Update on the Current Situation in the Maldives [07 February 2018]
State of Emergency Amended; Suspects Taken in to Custody and Charged
President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom last night issued an amendment to the State of Emergency that was declared on 5 February. Restrictions placed on the Supreme Court have now been lifted.
Article 145 (c) of the Constitution of the Republic of Maldives, which states that the Supreme Court shall be the final authority on the interpretation of the Constitution, the law, or any other matter dealt with by a court of law, is now in force.
Meanwhile the Maldives Police Service today held a press conference detailing the charges against the four individuals who were arrested; among them two Supreme Court Justices and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom arrested on 5th February and charged with:
1. Bribing Members of Parliament and attempting to overthrow a legitimate government
2. Influencing Judges by offering them money, as bribes, to ensure desired verdicts
3. Attempting to influence the security forces and planning and inciting them to work against the government.
Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed arrested 6th February and charged with;
1. Accepting bribes and delivering verdicts in special interest
2. Using the influence of the office to attempt the overthrow of a legal, constitutional, administration
3. Attempting to influence the administration and wilful, and unlawful, interference of the criminal justice system
Supreme Court Justice Ali Hameed Mohamed arrested 6th February and charged with;
1. Accepting bribes and delivering verdicts in special interest
2. Using the influence of the office to attempt the overthrow of a legal, constitutional, administration
3. Attempting to influence the administration and wilful, and unlawful, interference of the criminal justice system
Judicial Administrator at the Department of Judicial Administration Hassan Saeed arrested 5th February and charged with;
1. Unlawful interference of the Judiciary and bribery
2. Profiting from bribes
The investigations are ongoing.