Maldives: Envoy says nation will not extend state of emergency
The Maldives will not extend the state of emergency that is due to expire, said an envoy on Wednesday amid criticism of the government over the recent political turmoil. Mohamed Hussain Shareef, an ambassador to neighboring Sri Lanka, said the government "has no intention of extending" the emergency when its 30-day period expires, "barring very unusual circumstances such as widespread violence."
Maldives declared an emergency due to turmoil
The Maldives declared an emergency due to turmoil following a Supreme Court ruling ordering release of several of the president's jailed political opponents. Under the emergency, President Yameen Abdul Gayoom had two SC judges arrested for alleged corruption and three judges annulled the order to release Yameen's opponents. The emergency regulations gave Maldives' security-forces sweeping powers, including to make arrests, search and seize property.
