The Maldives has entered one of its most serious political crises in recent years following the impeachment of two Supreme Court justices by a parliament dominated by President Mohamed Muizzu's ruling party. In a vote of 68 to 11, legislators removed Justices Azmiralda Zahir and Mahaz Ali Zahir on allegations of abuse of power, a move their supporters and international observers are calling a direct assault on judicial independence.

The crisis traces back to controversial anti-defection amendments ratified by President Muizzu, which would strip legislators of their seats if they switch political parties, effectively cementing his party's supermajority in parliament. When the Supreme Court began reviewing the legality of these amendments, a judicial watchdog dominated by Muizzu's allies moved to suspend three of the court's judges, bringing all proceedings to a halt.

One of the suspended judges, Justice Husnu al-Suood, subsequently resigned, publicly accusing the president and the Attorney General of intimidating the judiciary to secure a favorable ruling. The president and his legal team deny all such claims.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers has expressed grave concern, warning that the disciplinary proceedings appear designed to interfere with the Supreme Court's judicial review and may violate internationally recognized standards for the removal of judges.

The impeachments have paralyzed the Supreme Court, halted all ongoing cases and sparked street protests outside parliament, with opposition supporters calling for the president's resignation. The crisis raises fresh fears of instability in the Indian Ocean island nation, which has faced a coup, disputed elections and political violence since introducing multiparty democracy in 2008