Azmiralda Zahir

Azmiralda Zahir (; born 19 July 1979) is a Maldivian lawyer and jurist who served as a Justice of the Supreme Court of the Maldives from 2019 to 2025. After studying law in the United Kingdom, Zahir began practicing law in the Maldives in 1999. In 2011, she was appointed to the High Court of the Maldives, and at the time of her resignation in 2016 was described as the country's most senior female judge. Zahir also served as the Maldives' first female Chief Justice when she temporarily filled the vacancy caused by the retirement of Abdulla Areef in November 2019.

Early life and education Zahir was born and raised in Malé. She obtained her bachelor of laws from Cardiff University and her master's degree from the University of Portsmouth, before receiving a PhD in International Intellectual Property Law from the University of Exeter.

Legal career (1999–2011) Zahir obtained her licence to practice in the Maldives in 1999, and in 2001 worked in the legal department of Malé City Council. Between 2002 and 2007, she worked for the Maldives Law Commission, drafting bills due to be submitted to the People's Majlis for review.

Judicial career (2011–present)

High Court of the Maldives (2011–2016) On 26 March 2011, Zahir was appointed to serve on the High Court of the Maldives, becoming the first woman in the country to sit on an appellate court. Zahir subsequently wrote letters to the Judicial Services Commission and the then-President of the Maldives, Abdulla Yameen, stating that the transfer had been unannounced and was discriminatory against her rights as a mother; she reported that Yameen told her that the transfer was "not a matter he could address". The International Commission of Jurists criticised Zahir's transfer, describing it as "arbitrary" and comparing it to a demotion due to the southern branch not being authorised to hear complaints over constitutional matters.

Following her resignation, Zahir went into private practice. The President of the Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, announced in August 2019 his intention to nominate Zahir, alongside Aisha Shujune Muhammad, as the Supreme Court's two new justices. Following interviews with the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), Zahir and Shujune were accepted as suitable candidates, with a vote planned for the People's Majlis. Zahir became a Justice of the Supreme Court on 4 September 2019 after being presented with a letter of appointment by Solih and giving an oath administered by the Chief Justice, Ahmed Abdulla Didi. The JSC suspended her along with Husnu Al Suood, and Mahaz Ali Zahir in response to an investigation by the Anti-Corruption Commission, and disciplinary issues. Zahir was accused of influencing lower courts via Mahaz Ali Zahir which Azmiralada denied. The People's Majlis later dismissed the two justices based on the report sent by JSC to the parliament. Many international organizations such as Human Rights Watch, Commonwealth Lawyers Association, and UN expert Margaret Satterthwaite called on the government to reinstate the justices and are highly concerned about the government undermining judiciary independence.

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Maldives (2019) In November 2019, Zahir was announced as the interim Chief Justice of the Supreme Court following the retirement of Abdulla Areef on health grounds. Areef himself had been temporarily filling the position following the suspension and subsequent dismissal of Ahmed Abdullah Didi. Despite having only sat on the Supreme Court for two months, Zahir was the most senior justice after Areef following the dismissals of Didi and Adam Mohamed, and the subsequent suspension of Abdul Ghanee Mohamed. Zahir remained in the post until Ahmed Muthasim Adnan was appointed as the permanent Chief Justice on 8 December 2019.