Attorney General of Maldives Mohamed Anil has advised law enforcement agencies to uphold constitution and disregard all illegal orders.
Highlighting that security authorities have received information that the Supreme Court may issue a ruling to impeach the President Abdulla Yameen, Attorney General of Maldives Mohamed Anil advised all law enforcement agencies not to comply with any order that is in conflict with the Constitution of the Maldives, as the Supreme Court does not have any legal or constitutional authority to initiate the removal of a President from Office.
Speaking to the media, the Attorney General underscored that under Article 8 of the Constitution, all State affairs must be carried out in accordance with the Constitution of the Maldives.
“Article 8 does not in any way exempt any institution or branch of power, and that all institutions and powers of the State must function in accordance with the Constitution, hence, no institution of the State may exercise a power outside the Constitutional guidelines,” said the Attorney General.
Speaking at the briefing, the Attorney General also highlighted that Article 100 of the Constitution very clearly states the terms under which a President may be removed from Office, which is by a resolution passed by the Parliament and as such the Attorney General noted that there is no role of the courts in this process. Additionally, the Attorney General underlined that Article 113 of the Constitution also states the same, the Supreme Court, sitting together in session, shall have sole and final jurisdiction to determine all disputes concerning the qualification or disqualification, election, status, of a presidential candidate or running mate or removal of a President by the Parliament.
The Attorney General said with regard to these two articles of the Constitution, the Supreme Court does not have any legal authority to initiate the removal of a President from office. Implementing the Supreme Court's order of 1 February, would mean different conditions for each individual prosecuted together, for the same case, noted the Attorney General.
Furthermore, the Attorney General informed that the Administration and security services have received information of plans to create unrest across the country further calling for support and cooperation of the community towards the security agencies in order to maintain peace and ensure the safety of its people.