Watch: How Maldives police arrested ex-president Gayoom

Maldives ex-president Gayoom, 80, was arrested on Monday night as the government cracked down on political figures.

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen declared a 15-day state of emergency in the country on Monday as troops stormed the Supreme Court.

"I have not done anything to be arrested," Gayoom said in a video message to supporters posted on Twitter.

Maldives police also arrested President Yameen's estranged half-brother.

The charges against Maumoon Abdul Gayoom include bribery and attempting to overthrow the government, his lawyer said.

Gayoom was president of Maldives from 1978 to 2008.