Central & South Asia
Police arrest former Maldives president
Mohamed Nasheed placed under custody for reportedly ignoring a court summons and defying travel ban, police say.
Last Modified: 08 Oct 2012 08:15
Former president Mohamed Nasheed was removed from office in contested circumstances in February [Reuters]

Maldives police have arrested Mohamed Nasheed, the former president, for ignoring a court summons and a travel ban, in a move that could trigger further protests by supporters in the Indian Ocean nation.

"Nasheed has been placed [under] custody now according to the court order issued yesterday," police spokesman Hassan Haneef said on Monday.

Nasheed was removed from office in contested circumstances in February. The former president's supporters have frequently taken to the streets, leading to clashes with security forces in Male, the capital of a country best known for its luxury resorts.

Nasheed had ignored a court case against him related to the detention of a judge during the last days of his rule, refusing to follow orders to turn up for hearings and stay in the capital.

"He will be taken to Male. He is in one of the atolls now," Haneef said. "He was arrested around 9:45am. It went peacefully and he cooperated. He will be produced the court tomorrow 1600 hours."

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