Maldives SC cancels its earlier decision to release nine opposition leaders

The Maldives Supreme Court has cancelled its earlier decision to release nine opposition leaders, hours after police had arrested chief justice and another judge. 

The court's remaining three judges issued a statement saying the order has been revoked in light of the concerns raised by the president.The ruling to put Supreme court out of the jurisdiction of Judicial services commission, was also revoked. 

Earlier, President Abdullah Yameen had said that he declared emergency in the country as Supreme court had a plan to overthrow his government by first making it dysfunctional through a series of orders.

Meanwhile, opposition parties



have said that President Yameen is abusing his powers to carry out a witch hunt of the political opposition, the judiciary and the Parliament. 

A statement issued by them said President Yameen is encroaching on all checks and balances, separation of powers which is tantamount to a breakdown of the entire democratic system. 

They called on international partners to do all they can, to ensure the release of the detainees, and to restore the Maldivian constitution. 

United Nations in a statement urged the Maldives Government to end the state of emergency and ensure the safety of the people of the island nation.