Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Monday declared a 15-day state of emergency, his aide Azima Shukoor announced, deepening the political crisis in the Indian Ocean nation. The move gives sweeping powers to security forces to arrest and detain suspects, and comes amid a tense standoff between the Supreme Court and the government. The president has refused to comply with a court order to release political prisoners, despite growing international pressure and concern. A Supreme Court statement on Sunday said "there are no obstacles in implementing the ruling ...and that this has been informed to the Prosecutor General's office." The United Nations and several foreign governments, including the United States, have urged the Maldives to respect the court order.

Source: dna February 05, 2018 16:06 UTC