President’s decree suspends all basic rights and gives sweeping powers to security forces ahead of opposition protest rally
The president of the Maldives has declared a state of emergency, citing a threat to citizens’ safety and national security.
Abdulla Yameen’s decree, which came into effect at midday local time (0700 GMT), suspends all basic rights and gives the security forces sweeping powers to arrest suspects before a major anti-government rally planned later this week.
The main opposition Maldivian Democratic party (MDP), whose leader Mohamed Nasheed is in jail following his conviction earlier this year under anti-terror laws, has organised the protest
The Maldives has suffered acute political instability for several years, but a new cycle of chaos and unrest appears to be intensifying.
“President Yameen has declared state of emergency to ensure the safety and security of every citizen,” his spokesman Muaz Ali tweeted.
In a statement to the nation, Yameen, who took power in a contested election in 2013, said there were groups planning to use weapons and explosives.
“My beloved citizens, I assure you, that in enforcing this decree, the rights and freedoms stated in the constitution will only be restricted within the limits of … the constitution, and only to the extent strictly required by the situation,” Yameen said.
Seven articles of the constitution have been suspended, including those guaranteeing citizens of the Indian Ocean island nation the rights of assembly, free expression, freedom from arbitrary detention and freedom of movement.
The state of emergency was limited to 30 days and a curfew would not be imposed, the government said.
Read more:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/nov/04/maldives-declares-state-of-emergency