MALDIVES – The Maldives government on Monday declared a state of emergencyfor 15 days, amid a spiralling political crisis in the island nationfollowing a Supreme Court orderlink>lastweek to release Opposition leaders from prison.
“During this time, though certain rights will be restricted, generalmovements, services and businesses will not be affected. The Government ofMaldives also wishes to assure all Maldivians and the internationalcommunity that the safety of all Maldivians and foreigners living in andvisiting the Maldives will be ensured,” said a statement from PresidentAbdulla Yameen’s office.
Maldives security forces broke into the Supreme Court on Monday, courtspokesman Faisal Adam told Reuters, hours after Mr. Yameen declared thestate of emergency.More power for officials
Sources said the state of emergency gives security officials extra powersto arrest suspects. The development comes five days after the Supreme Courtordered the immediate release of nine Opposition leaders, including theexiled former President Mohamed Nasheed. It also ordered that 12 MPsexpelled earlier be reinstated.
Eva Abdulla, an MP and member of the Opposition Maldivian Democratic Party,said: “The declaration of state of emergency is an indication of Mr.Yameen’s desperation. It only serves to show an isolated man who no longerhas the confidence of the people and independent institutions.”Second-such time
This is the second time Mr. Yameen has declared a state of emergency. Helast took the step in November 2015 after an alleged attempt to assassinatehim.
Officials said the President is required to inform the Parliament about anydeclaration of emergency within two days, but the country’s legislature hasbeen suspended indefinitely by authorities.
The Supreme Court on Thursday had also restored the seats of 12 MPs who haddefected from Mr. Yameen’s party, effectively handing the opposition amajority in the 85-member parliament, making the President vulnerable toimpeachment. – Agencies