UN chief calls on Maldives to lift state of emergency

UNITED NATIONS, Feb, 6 (APP):UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday called on the Maldivian government to uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety of people “including members of the judiciary” following the declaration of a state of emergency in the island nation, after which soldiers forced their way into the Supreme Court.
The UN chief expressed serious concern about the unfolding situation in the Maldives and, in statement issued by his Spokesman Stephane Dujarric, urged the Government to uphold the constitution and rule of law, lift the state of emergency as soon as possible, and take all measures to ensure the safety and security of the people in the country, including members of the judiciary.
According to media reports, the security forces arrested the top judge after the declaration of the state of emergency, a development following the Supreme Court decision that ordered the release of convicted opposition leaders and the reinstatement of 12 parliamentarians.
Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen on Tuesday said he had declared a 15-day state of emergency because the Supreme Court chief justice had planned to overthrow the government.
Yameen, in a televised address, said the recent Supreme Court order to release top opposition leaders was “shocking” and threatened to “cripple” the functioning of the state.
Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed were arrested shortly after the state of emergency was declared on charges of plotting to overthrow the government.
Over the weekend, senior UN officials called on the authorities in the Maldives to fully respect the top court ruling, with the secretary-general expressing the continued readiness of the UN to facilitate all-party talks in finding a solution to the Indian Ocean nation’s political stalemate.