Maldives should lift state of emergency as soon as possible, says UN chief Guterres

UN chief Antonio Guterres asked Maldives president Abdulla Yameen to uphold the Constitution as the country to continued to reel in crisis.

In a U-turn on Tuesday, the Maldives Supreme Court revoked its earlier order to release political prisoners even as president Yameen declared emergency in the country.

The UN chief's spokesperson Stephane Dujarric in a statement said, "The Secretary-General urges the Government of the Maldives to uphold the constitution and the 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."

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Assistant Secretary-General of the UN for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenca spoke to Maldives' foreign minister over the phone and expressed the Secretary-General's concern about the unfolding situation in the country, in particular, the arrest of the Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed.

Maldives plunged into chaos last week after the Supreme Court ordered the release of political prisoners declaring that the trials were "politically motivated and flawed".

The Maldives president refused to release the prisoners as riot police stormed the Supreme Court and arrested several judges including the Chief Justice. Several political figures including ex-president Gayoom were also arrested by the police.