Debate on dismissal of Riza from JSC begins

People’s Majlis has begun its debate on the motion to dismiss Guraidhoo MP Ibrahim Riza from the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

Riza has been the People’s Majlis representative at the JSC since July, 2014.

The JSC is made up of:

• A Supreme Court justice
• Speaker of People’s Majlis
• A High Court Judge
• A lower court judge
• A member of People’s Majlis
• An ordinary citizen
• President of Civil Service Commission
• Appointee of Maldivian President
• Attorney General
• An attorney-at-law

The motion to dismiss Riza from JSC was submitted by Vaikaradhoo MP Mohamed Nazim on October 31.

Nazim filed the dismissal motion alleging Riza has failed to fulfil his constitutional obligations.

“Even though the Constitution obligates counsel to People’s Majlis regarding establishment of judicial justice and other court-related matters, he hasn’t provided counsel to the People’s Majlis regarding major issues with the Maldivian justice system, and in matters citizens, the UN and the international community has pointed out lack of justice and is voicing concern regarding,” said Nazim.

Nazim also said Riza went to courts as attorneys for private clients despite his position as a member of JSC, which Nazim said was unethical.

Riza has been accused of violating proper procedure and justice in investigating and issuing penalties when complaints are filed against judges. And of making use of the opportunities available to him as a member of the ruling political party and JSC to represent State companies for high fees. Nazim said Riza was paid MVR 2.9 million to represent Maldives Ports Limited in a case – which he said was an act of corruption.

The debate on the motion began at the Majlis this Monday morning.

Addressing the Majlis during the debate during the 15 minutes he was allowed to speak on his defense, Riza said the dismissal motion was fueled by a personal agenda and denied the veracity of the accusations against him.

Riza said he has never before been accused of wrongful conduct or questioned regarding any possible wrongful conduct during his years at the JSC.

He said he wasn’t “a coward to resign and go home”.

Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) parliamentarians, during the debate, accused the motion of being a personal vendetta.