Ban Ki-moon concerned about political tensions in Maldives

New York: UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Friday expressed concern about the rising political tensions in the Maldives, where the arrest of an opposition leader has led to violent protests.

Protestors were on the streets after the Maldives National Defence Force took Abdulla Yamin, chief of the main opposition People’s Alliance party, into custody Thursday, claiming it was at his request and for his own protection.

The Supreme Court recently ruled that Yamin should be released from the house arrest imposed on him while cooperating with police on an enquiry into bribery and treason charges.

The defence force refused to bring him to a court hearing as requested by the judge and took him into military custody instead, prompting his supporters to clash with those of the ruling Maldives Democratic Party.

Ban urged “the government and all parties to ensure the rule of law is maintained, and to safeguard the rights and protections enshrined in the constitution,” a statement from his spokesman said.

The UN chief called for restraint and said political parties should “resolve their differences through dialogue. Political rivalries should not be allowed to jeopardize the significant gains the country has registered in democratic reform.” - (Source: Earth Times)