Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen seeks extension of state of emergency amid political crisis

Male: Maldives President Abdulla Yameen on Monday requested Parliament to extend the state of emergency for a further 15 days amid the ongoing political crisis. [caption id=“attachment_4335641” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] File image of Maldives president Abdulla Yameen. Reuters[/caption] Parliament, which was convened for a special session, was now discussing the President’s request and will soon take a vote among legislators, reports Xinhua news agency. A decision will be announced soon. Yameen had declared a 15-day state of emergency on 5 February, after a surprise Supreme Court ruling ordering the release of nine opposition leaders including self-exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed. The Supreme Court ruling was, however, rescinded shortly after the announcement of the state of emergency.