Opposition Leader, Two SC Judges Arrested, All You Need To Know About The Maldives Crisis
Two SC judges and the opposition leader were arrested on Tuesday, hours after the government declared a state of emergency in the Maldives. Police informed on Twitter that Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and Judge Ali Hameed were arrested, but did not mention the charges. The charges against the opposition leader and former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom include bribery and attempt to overthrow the government, according to a tweet by his lawyer Maumoon Hameed. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives said that the normal life wouldn’t be affected.
.@PoliceMv have arrested Pres. @maumoonagayoom on charges of bribery of MPs, attempted bribery, & attempting to unlawfully overthrow the government.
Police have also informed Pres. Maumoon that after their search of his residence, he will be taken to Dhoonidhoo Custodial Jail.
— Maumoon Hameed (@maanhameed) February 5, 2018
It was on Monday that Maldives president Abdulla Yameen declared a state of emergency in the country. “though certain rights will be restricted, general movements, services and businesses will not be affected,” said Yameen. Former president Mohamed Nasheed asked for India’s help in a tweet.
On behalf of Maldivian people we humbly request:
1. India to send envoy, backed by its military, to release judges & pol. detainees inc. Prez. Gayoom. We request a physical presence.
2. The US to stop all financial transactions of Maldives regime leaders going through US banks.— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) February 6, 2018
The reason
President Yameen refused to agree with court’s order to release political prisoners who were arrested after he has assumed the office in 2013.
“The top court’s verdict resulted in the disruption of the functions of the executive power and the infringement of national security and public interest,” said Azima Shakoor county’s legal affairs minister.
“The government does not believe that the Supreme Court ruling to release the political prisoners can be enforced,” she added.
Yameen has also suspended Maldives parliament. Soon after the declaration of emergency, security forces locked up SC judges inside. Police used pepper spray against the protesters, reports Aljazeera.
Maldives CJ informed me that the security forces have blockaded and locked the Supreme Court building from outside and hence the justices are without any food now.
— Husnu Al Suood (@hsuood) February 5, 2018
Former president and opposition leader Maumoon Abdul Gayoom posted a video on Twitter before the arrest. “I have not done anything to warrant my arrest. I urge you to remain steadfast in your resolve, too,” he said in the tweet.
#Video: Statement by former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, moments before his arrest earlier tonight | @Raajje_tv pic.twitter.com/us4s58mrCa
— Raajjemv English (@RaajjeEnglish) February 5, 2018
India’s concern
Home to almost 22,000 Indians, 125 out of 400 doctors in the country are Indian citizens. About 25% of country’s teaching population are Indians, reports Hindustan Times. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India alerted Indian citizens in the Maldives to exercise due caution and avoid public gatherings.
“The prevailing political developments in the Maldives and the resultant law and order situation is a matter of concern for the government. Indian nationals are, therefore, advised to defer all non-essential travels to Male and other atolls until further notice,” said an MEA advisory.
Response of US
“America stands with the people of Maldives. The Maldivian government and military must respect the rule of law, freedom of expression and democratic institutions. The world is watching,” tweeted White House National Security Council.
America stands with the people of Maldives. The Maldivian government and military must respect the rule of law, freedom of expression, and democratic institutions. The world is watching.
— NSC (@WHNSC) February 5, 2018