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Prez cannot intimidate judges, says opposition

Opposition has claimed that President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom does not reserve a constitutional right to intimidate or warn court judges or the legal framework as a whole - over cases.

Anti-government members had asserted incumbent President's attempts to intimidate and blackmail court judges to derive personal advantages, is to make up for the losing support on him from the people. Yameen's continued 'oppression' of court judges was a desperate attempt to stay in power according to the opposition.

"Maldives Constitution clearly states that no one, should it be a commoner or a state elected government official, cannot impede the proceedings of courts or its judges on Article number 114. Meaning that courts should act without any political influence or oppression," opposition's statement read.

The statement read that opposition objects President Yameen's continued verbal intimidation towards court judges and they condemn the act, urging the state head to cease his attempts.

In their statement the opposition had assured their support to government ministries and institutes to hold President Yameen's administration accountable on their actions and will encourage authorities to act responsibly.

Opposition had released the statement after President Abdulla Yameen had stated it was the role of the state head to amend court procedures and operations should it fail to act accordingly. He made the speech during his last appearance at 'Rumaalu-2' camp for a pro-government rally.