The president of the Maldives says he declared a state of emergency to investigate what he calls a "plot" and a "coup". It came after the Supreme Court ordered him to release jailed opposition leaders. Its judges were reportedly planning to impeach the president.  

ABDULLA YAMEEN ABDUL GAYOOM PRESIDENT OF THE MALDIVES "This is not a state of war, epidemic, or natural disaster. This is something more dangerous. This is an obstruction of the very ability of this state to function."

President Abdulla Yameen said that court overstepped its authority. Since its ruling, his government has been asserting its power. It announced a 15-day state of emergency that gives officials sweeping powers, including to make arrests, search and seize property, and restrict freedom of assembly. Hours after the declaration, security forces arrested two Supreme Court justices and a former president who is now an opposition leader.