Emergency extended in Maldives by 30 days

Colombo/Male, February 19

The state of Emergency in trouble-torn Maldives was today extended by 30 days after the a key parliamentary committee approved President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s request, a media report said, allowing him to reinforce his power in the picturesque Indian Ocean island nation.

During an extraordinary meeting of the National Security Committee of the People's Majlis, an approval was given to the Decree for State of Emergency submitted to the People's Majlis (Parliament) by President Yameen, the Sun online reported.

Deputy Speaker of People's Majlis MP Moosa Manik confirmed the decree was approved by the committee during its closed-door meeting today. The committee approved the decree, and well as the request for a 30-day extension to the State of Emergency, the report said.

A total of 38 MPs voted to accept the decree and forward it to the National Security Committee for evaluation. All opposition MPs boycotted the sitting, alleging it was held unconstitutionally, the report said.

At least 43 MPs need to be present at the Majlis chamber is order for the decree to pass. Majlis majority leader MP Ahmed Nihan Hussain Manik expressed confidence that 43 MPs would be present when the decree was called up for a vote.

President Yameen declared the Emergency on February 5 after the Supreme Court ordered the release of a group of Opposition leaders, who had been convicted in widely criticised trials. Among them was exiled ex-President Mohamed Nasheed. The court said his 2015 trial had been unconstitutional. Under the Emergency law, Yameen had two SC judges arrested, accusing them of corruption. Later, the remaining three judges annulled the order to release Yameen's opponents. 

There has been international condemnation of the government’s moves, with the US and India expressing concern. — PTI

Top court suspends Rebel Lawmakers 

• The Maldives Supreme Court suspended 12 pro-opposition legislators on Sunday, emboldening President Abdulla Yameen as he clings to power 
• The three-judge Bench said it was suspending the February 1 order to reinstate the politicians following an appeal by the attorney general