UN raises concern at Maldives sacking judges

The top UN rights body yesterday raised concerns over the impeachment of two Supreme Court judges in the Maldives, which effectively stalled the review of a new law banning defections by parliamentarians.

The United Nations Human Rights Office said the sacking by Male's parliament of two justices raised questions about the independence of the judiciary in the Indian Ocean archipelago.

"We remind the authorities of their commitment to maintain and protect an independent judiciary, in line with the Maldives' constitution and international human rights obligations," spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said in Geneva.

The two judges, Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir, were suspended in February and dismissed this month. Another judge, Husnu Al Suood, who was also accused of misconduct, resigned.