Maldives Political Crisis: What triggered trouble in paradise?

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The Maldives is made up of 26 coral atolls, and is known as a "tourist paradise." But the political crisis in the capital now threatens to jeopardize the safety of tourists that have the country in their holiday plans. Quan Chenchen looks at what led to all the trouble in paradise.

It began with an order for the release of opposition figures, including the country's first democratically-elected president, Mohamed Nasheed, who had gone into exile in Sri Lanka to avoid jail time.

Supporters cheered the Supreme Court's ruling last week and gathered in the capital to celebrate.

The turmoil began to brew when President Abdulla Yameen's government refused to implement the court's order. Rallies turned violent after police reportedly used tear gas on protesters.

The standoff escalated on Monday when President Yameen ordered a 15-day state of emergency, giving security forces sweeping power to make arrests.

UZA AISHATH AZIMA SHAKOOR MINISTER FOR LEGAL AFFAIRS, PRESIDENT'S OFFICE "The President of the Maldives has declared the state of emergency in Male just now."

Among those arrested was another former president, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who happens to be Yameen's half brother.

The 80-year-old Gayoom had ruled the country for 30 years until 2008. With his help, current President Yameen stepped into power in 2013. The brothers have fallen out since then due to political differences, and Gayoom now aligns himself with the opposition.

He was detained at home, on allegations of bribery and trying to overthrow the government.

MAUMOON ABDUL GAYOOM OPPOSITION LEADER "Police came to arrest me. And I am going with them. I don't know why they are arresting me. I have done nothing wrong or unlawful. I urge the people of the Maldives to be strong and stand with us. We will win."

The arrests have triggered international condemnation. The opposition says the government moves amounted to a purge.

On Twitter, the exiled ex-president Nasheed asked India to send an envoy to help with the release of political prisoners. He also called on the US to impose financial sanctions on the leaders of the island nation.