SC Judge Azmiralda seeks opportunity to speak at JSC meeting

Suspended Supreme Court Justice Dr Azmiralda Zahir has requested the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to grant her the opportunity to speak at its meeting scheduled to decide on the disciplinary case against her.

JSC is currently investigating two cases involving judge Azmiralda. One case involves allegations that she attempted to influence a lower court judge to release her husband, Dr Ismail Latheef, from custody. Following its inquiry, the JSC's investigative committee concluded that Justice Azmiralda, alongside Supreme Court judge Mahaz Ali Zahir, influenced Judge Ibrahim Zihunee through Criminal Court Judge Sofath Habeeb leading to Dr Ismail’s release during a closed hearing.

The committee has prepared a report recommending that the Parliament be asked to remove judges Azmiralda and Mahaz from their positions.

Ahead of tonight's meeting, judge Azmiralda sent a letter to JSC Chairperson Hussain Riza on Thursday, requesting permission to address the commission alongside her lawyer before any decision is made.

"This is not a decision that can normally be appealed to the court or the judicial appeals court, and it is imperative in the rules of justice to give me the opportunity alongside my lawyer to hear my case before the commission makes a decision," the letter read.

In her letter, Justice Azmiralda also requested that the meeting be opened to the public.

She also asked the commission to prevent the three members of the investigative committee and former committee member Attorney General Ahmed Usham from participating in the meeting, citing conflicts of interest. The three committee members who reviewed her disciplinary case were all appointed by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.

Justice Azmiralda has also sent a letter to President Muizzu to raise her concerns stating that the members had fabricated the report against her.

According to the committee report, the evidence submitted by the judges was not accepted. However, the report stated that even if the evidence were considered, it would not alter the findings of the investigation.