Maldives’ top judge held wrongfully, say lawyers

MALE: The Maldives’ chief justice is being unconstitutionally detained after being forcefully dragged on the floor from his chambers by security personnel in riot gear, his lawyer said, expressing grave concern about the reaction to the Supreme Court’s surprise ruling last week to free jailed politicians.

“This executive encroachment of Judicial powers is a blatant violation and completely erodes the doctrine of separation of powers,” said the statement in which lawyer Hisaan Hussain called for the chief justice’s immediate release.

Police accused Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and a second Supreme Court justice of taking millions of dollars in bribes in return for the court ruling.

Political turmoil has swept the Indian Ocean archipelago nation since the court ordered the release of several jailed opposition leaders, including many of President Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s main political rivals.

Yameen has cracked down on civil liberties since coming to power in 2013, imprisoning or forcing into exile nearly every politician who opposes him.

On Monday, Yameen declared a 15-day state of emergency, giving his government sweeping powers, including to make arrests, search and seize property, and restrict freedom of assembly.

Hours after the state of emergency was declared, security forces in riot gear and blue camouflage uniforms stormed the Supreme Court building to arrest Saeed and Justice Ali Hameed. — AP