Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has raised alarm over the protracted delay in the appeal hearings of former President Abdulla Yameen's 11-year jail sentence for bribery and money laundering, suggesting a potential external influence on the judiciary.
Yameen's appeal, lodged in the High Court, has yet to yield a verdict despite the conclusion of hearings spanning several days. Speaking to reporters during the Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) door-to-door event for the parliamentary elections, Solih expressed dismay at the lack of progress in Yameen's case, noting that no hearings have been convened for three months, rendering the situation untenable.
"Everyone believes that there is some kind of influence in the courts today," Solih asserted, reflecting broader concerns within the public sphere regarding judicial independence and impartiality.
Solih emphasized that the President has the power to ensure the integrity of judicial proceedings as per the Constitution. He stressed the importance of expediting court processes to uphold the principles of justice and accountability.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has denied allegations of governmental interference in judicial affairs. He reiterated the judiciary's autonomy under his administration's stewardship and reaffirmed the government's commitment to upholding the rule of law. The President also emphasized the importance of ensuring a fair and transparent legal process.
Additionally, President Muizzu assured that Yameen would not encounter obstacles in seeking justice, expressing hope for a swift resolution to the trial. "I hope he [Yameen] will get justice soon through the trial. There will be no one in this government to prevent that," the President affirmed, underscoring the administration's commitment to upholding judicial integrity.
Yameen's appeal, lodged in the High Court, has yet to yield a verdict despite the conclusion of hearings spanning several days. Speaking to reporters during the Maldivian Democratic Party's (MDP) door-to-door event for the parliamentary elections, Solih expressed dismay at the lack of progress in Yameen's case, noting that no hearings have been convened for three months, rendering the situation untenable.
"Everyone believes that there is some kind of influence in the courts today," Solih asserted, reflecting broader concerns within the public sphere regarding judicial independence and impartiality.
Solih emphasized that the President has the power to ensure the integrity of judicial proceedings as per the Constitution. He stressed the importance of expediting court processes to uphold the principles of justice and accountability.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has denied allegations of governmental interference in judicial affairs. He reiterated the judiciary's autonomy under his administration's stewardship and reaffirmed the government's commitment to upholding the rule of law. The President also emphasized the importance of ensuring a fair and transparent legal process.
Additionally, President Muizzu assured that Yameen would not encounter obstacles in seeking justice, expressing hope for a swift resolution to the trial. "I hope he [Yameen] will get justice soon through the trial. There will be no one in this government to prevent that," the President affirmed, underscoring the administration's commitment to upholding judicial integrity.
