‘Arrest warrant’ issued for Maldives’ ex-president

09/02/12 11:03 CET

world news

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A day after he was led away by police, a formal arrest warrant has been issued for the ousted leader of the Maldives, according to officials from his party.

Mohamed Nasheed, who quit on Tuesday, insists he was forced out of power at gunpoint in a coup.

The exact nature of any charges facing him is unclear and the new head of police on the Indian Ocean islands says he is not aware of a warrant. But if confirmed, an order to arrest the Maldives’ first democratically-elected president would likely raise tension further after Wednesday’s clashes between Nasheed’s supporters and security forces.

He stood down after opposition-led protests at his decision to arrest a top judge culminated in a police revolt.

Former Vice President Mohammed Waheed Hassan has now taken the top job, vowing to form a national unity government.

More about: Arrest, Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, President, Protest, Resignation

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