Maldives President Abdulla Yameen lifts state of emergency

November 11, 2015

, President of the Maldives, yesterday lifted the state of emergency he imposed on his nation last week. Attorney General cited progress in an investigation into the bombing of Yameen's speedboat in September. The state of emergency was imposed last Wednesday with Yameen reporting security concerns.

The move proved controversial. The opposition accused the President of political motivations and using the powers to block a rally planned to demand ex-President, Democratic leader's, release. A Democrat statement said "It appears that Yameen is willing to make up threats about the nation's security in order to settle political scores[...] He has failed and should step down."

Vice President was impeached and removed from office during the state of emergency. He is accused of involvement in the attack. After the ending of emergency rule a midnight vote in Parliament last night saw Prosecutor General Muhthaz Muhsin dismissed by a heavy majority. The reasons for the vote have not been publicised. The opposition refused to attend.

Yameen also came under international pressure, including from the US, Sri Lanka, UK, and EU. The emergency provisions included the ability for authorities to search homes and people without formalities, restrictions on travelling around the nation of islands, and restrictions on the.