Maldives: Political tensions remain high Feb. 6 /update 4

Event

Tensions remain high in the capital city of Malé on Tuesday, February 6. On Tuesday evening, one day after President Yameen ordered the arrest of two Supreme Court judges, the court rescinded its February 1 ruling which stipulated that the government immediately release a group of jailed opposition figures. The 15-day state of emergency declared on Monday, February 5, to investigate an allegedly coup attempt by the Supreme Court, remains in effect.

Heightened political tensions are expected to continue in the Maldives in the near-term; related protests and demonstrations and consequent transportation disruptions are possible in Malé in the coming days.

The governments of the United Kingdom and Canada have issued travel warnings for the Maldives, advising all travelers to exercise caution. France, India, and China issued travel warnings, urging its citizens to defer travel to Malé.

Context

On Monday, February 5, Maldivian president, Abdulla Yameen, declared a 15-day state of emergency, and ordered the arrest of former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom (who held office from 1978 to 2008), two Supreme Court judges and the chief judicial administrator.

President Yameen had refused to abide by a Maldivian Supreme Court ruling issued on February 1, stipulating that his government immediately release a group of jailed opposition figures. According to the Supreme Court's ruling, the trials against former President Mohamed Nasheed (who held office from 2008 to 2012), and the other leaders, violated the constitution. The political opposition has accused Yameen of using his attorney general and the country's security forces to "cling onto power."

Maldivian army soldiers surrounded and shut down the parliament building in Malé on February 4 after the political opposition called for parliament to remove the Maldivian attorney general and chief prosecutor. Security forces also arrested two opposition members of parliament (MPs) at Malé International Airport (MLE) on bribery charges around 12:00 (local time) on February 4 after they had returned to the country from exile.

Advice

Individuals in the Maldives, particularly in Malé, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.