The Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers conducted an official visit to the Republic of Maldives at the Government’s invitation from 17 to 24 February 2013. She met with Governmental, legislative and judicial authorities, as well as
with lawyers, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders. She visited Malé and Addu City. In the present report, the Special Rapporteur examines the steps taken by the Maldives to ensure the independence of judges, prosecutors and lawyers. She analyses the challenges and obstacles that impede justice from being adequately and efficiently administered, and actors of the judicial system from discharging their functions independently, impartially and effectively since the adoption of a democratic Constitution
in 2008 and her predecessor’s visit in 2007. The special Rapporteur concludes that it is contrary to the Basic Principles on the role of lawyers that licences to practice law, as well as disciplinary measures, lay in the hands of the executive, as in the case of the Maldives, where the Attorney General is the authority who regulates the legal profession.