Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has stated that it did not violate any procedure in the investigation of former Criminal Court Judge Ismail Rasheed.
Former Judge Ismail Rasheed resigned on May 25 after denying JSC's allegations that he had violated the Criminal Procedure Act and failed to act in an independent manner in his verdict on July 14, 2020, to dismiss all seven charges raised by the state against former Vice President Ahmed Adeeb over his involvement in the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) corruption scandal.
Ismail Rasheed claimed the allegations were baseless and that he was not given the opportunity to respond to the JSC. However, JSC has publicised details of its investigation and stated Ismail Rasheed was given the opportunity to defend himself. JSC stated Ismail Rasheed was summoned to provide a statement on July 18, 2020, and that the investigation continued with his lawyer upon his request. Ismail Rasheed was provided the investigation report in February of this year and was given the opportunity to respond in writing on March 8, stated JSC. However, JSC stated Ismail Rasheed requested that the commission relies on the statement he initially provided and conclude the case as soon as possible.
Furthermore, JSC stated it has given Ismail Rasheed every opportunity to respond during the investigation and will continue to provide such opportunities to any judge the commission investigates.