Maldives raise a state of emergency

The leader of the Maldives has lifted the state of emergency after 45 days.

Yameen called the state of emergency in early February. That happened after the Supreme Court ordered the release of political opponents from the president, who disregarded that order. The authorities then arrested, among others, former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and members of the Supreme Court.

A senior diplomat said Monday that Gayoom is suspected of having bribed members of the court in order to bring down the government. The political crisis has led to unrest in the island state, which is known for its luxurious holiday accommodation. On Saturday, the police arrested 139 demonstrators in the capital Malé, on appeal to the state of emergency.