Supreme Court expresses concern on retired South African judge in the efforts to reform judiciary

Supreme Court of Maldives has expressed concern on the role played by Johann Kriegler, a retired justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa, in the efforts to reform the judiciary, initiated by the Government of Maldives.

In a statement, the Supreme Court said while the judiciary is conducting efforts to reform the sector and ensure courts of law are run independently, the Attorney General’s Office requested the court to meet a retired South African chief justice. The Supreme Court said during the meeting Johann Kriegler was briefed on the reform agenda launched by the judiciary and the challenges faced by the courts and judges when the freedom of the courts ensured by the constitution was not followed. However, the Supreme Court said despite the information delivered to Johann Kriegler, he had threatened the judiciary by revealing a plan to remove judges from the courts.

In the statement, the Supreme Court highlighted the separation of powers ensured in the constitution and noted any action must be taken in accordance with the laws and regulations followed in Maldives. The superior court of Maldives stated the courts of law should not be influenced by the power holders in the government and the parliament which could risk the independence and freedom ensured in the constitution and directly affect the democratic society of the country.

On conclusion, the Supreme Court asked all stakeholders to cooperate with the reform agenda launched by the judiciary and ensure it is successfully executed.