JSC to probe Judge Hailam over controversial Victory Day greeting

The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) has made the decision to probe a disciplinary case against Criminal Court judge Ahmed Hailam after a Victory Day greeting sent by the judge which depicted the president in chains was leaked.

The illustrated cartoon was sent to the Viber group of the Criminal Court's recreational club. The picture showed President Ibahim Mohamed Solih, along with Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed being dragged in chains with the perpetrators behind the 1988 coup attack during which 19 Maldivians were killed. The picture showed the chain being pulled by fallen hero, Shaheed (martyr) Hussain Adam who died during the attack. The words "that dignity and respect has been snatched today" was written in Dhivehi.

The controversial issue has come up while the Criminal Court is preparing to deliver a verdict on former president Yameen Abdul Gayyoom's money laundering trial on Tuesday. Judge Hailam is presiding over the case.