MDP said that the collusion between active local gangs and the Judges of the Criminal Court of Maldives is a major threat to implementing justice.

The statement released by Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is addressing the claims made by Mr. Hsunu Al Suood at a press conference held yesterday regarding the investigation of 'Deaths and Disappearances' by the Presidential Commission. Suood had said that there is collusion between gangs and the judges of Criminal Court.

MDP has said today, that they are concerned regarding the information given by the President of the Deaths and Disappearances Commission Mr. Husnu Suood, explaining the degree of tampering within the Criminal Court of Maldives at the press conference yesterday.

The statement also points out that, according to the Commission, certain gangs and businesses have been able to exert immense power over the Criminal Court and gangs also have the power to appoint certain judges to the court.

The statement released by MDP has also expressed concern regarding the claims made by Suood that courts do not reach a conviction in certain murder trials due to the influence of gangs and that arrests have been made where it should not be and vice versa. The statement also noted that Suood has said that gangs have provided personal security to judges who comply with their influence.

The statement said " The only way to maintain the power constitution and laws of Maldives, and defend its people to establish democracy and peace, is to correct what the citizens of Maldives and the international community are saying needs to be corrected. There is no doubt that an be accomplished by protecting and defending courts and the judicial system from these (influence of external powers on the courts). We, the party give our assurances that we will remain resolute in aiding the clearing out of the courts and bringing about any reforms to these courts"

The statement by MDP also said that these instances pointed out by Mr. Husnu Suood is a major threat to peace and justice of this country and that the people of Maldives and the International Community are seeing that the courts are openly violating the rights of the people of Maldives and that this is very concerning.