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Live blog: Maldives declares state of emergency

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Live blog: Maldives declares state of emergency
The Maldives Independent website is under attack and we believe the attack was designed to coincide with the state of emergency being declared. We will try to update the live blog but it may not be possible as the attacks are ongoing. For updates throughout the night please follow us on Twitter @IndependentMV.

 10.17pm – The Maldives has declared a state of emergency lasting 15 days. President Abdulla Yameen said “though certain rights will be restricted, general movements, services and businesses will not be affected.”

The state of emergency follows days of tension in the capital. Last Thursday the Supreme Court issued a ruling ordering the release of nine high-profile prisoners, putting the government at loggerheads with the judiciary.

“The Government of Maldives wishes to also assure all Maldivians and the international community that the safety of all Maldivians and foreigners living in and visiting the Maldives, will be ensured,” said the president.

In the hour since the state of emergency was declared:

The White House Security Council has condemned the government.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has issued a travel warning.

Former president Mohamed Nasheed, who was one of the nine named in the ruling, says the announcement is tantamount to a declaration of martial law.

Special Ops in riot gear are advancing towards a crowd the Supreme Court.

Eyewitnesses have told the Maldives Independent they have seen Special Ops enter the Supreme Court building

Source:maldivesindependent.com