The main ruling party, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has called for an investigation into the judge and take appropriate action over his Victory Day greeting illustration which depicted President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Speaker Mohamed Nasheed in chains with the perpetrators of November 3, 1988 coup attempt.
In a statement issued regarding the post Judge Hailam shared in a Viber group, MDP harshly criticised him saying the act depicts how corrupt he is. It further called to investigate Hailam as the public is also criticising and accusing him of corruption. It also said his action violates the constitution and the laws.
The statement said judges must always be impartial and independent and always observe the highest discipline in order to ensure public trust on judiciary and to protect it from influence.
The incident surfaced when his verdict on former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom was due at Criminal Court on charges against corruption and money laundering. Judicial Services Commission (JSC) has suspended Judge Hailam and the court hearing has since been cancelled.