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The Judicial Service Commission's sudden reversal prevents the appointment of a former official with a history of proven judicial misconduct, protecting public trust in the judiciary ahead of the official swearing-in ceremony.
News Desk
Mohamed Raghib attending a Judges Symposium previously held - Photo: Edition Maldives
MALÉ: The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has reversed its decision to appoint former Environment Ministry Deputy Minister Mohamed Raaghib Ahmed as a judge for the Civil Court, just one day before the scheduled swearing-in ceremony.
Following an emergency meeting, the commission decided to halt Raaghib’s appointment after reviewing prior disciplinary records and cases filed against him. Sources indicate that the commission initially approved his candidacy because supporting documentation regarding his past misconduct was not immediately accessible during the selection process.
As a result, only two newly selected judges will take the oath of office for the Civil Court bench. The JSC plans to initiate a fresh process at a later date to fill the remaining vacancy.
In 2019, the JSC concluded inquiries into Raaghib that substantiated eight severe allegations of judicial misconduct while he served as a magistrate:
Sexual Harassment: Sexual harassment and assault against two female court employees.
Falsification of Records: Altering rulings and official judicial documentation in cases finalized at Thulusdhoo Court and Diffushi Court.
Conflict of Interest: Maintaining improper close relationships with parties involved in active court cases.
Workplace Discrimination: Discriminating against employees and forcing staff to perform duties outside their official scope.
Political Activity: Actively participating in political events and campaigning to build support for political figures.
Administrative Obstruction: Violating administrative rules set by the Department of Judicial Administration (DJA) and impeding the court administrator’s duties.
Forced Marriage Coercion: Using judicial influence to compel a woman to marry against her will in a case submitted to Thulusdhoo Court.
Improper Conduct: Travelling with a foreign woman to Thulusdhoo and engaging in actions violating judicial ethics.
Raaghib previously served as a lawyer for the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) before being appointed as a Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Climate Change, Environment and Energy under the current administration.
He was dismissed from his deputy minister post on November 25, 2024, after filing a lawsuit against the state claiming that Thinadhoo had been fraudulently granted city status.
