Police have arrested an opposition leader and 192 others after clashes erupted between police and protesters demanding the resignation of President Yameen Abdul Gayoom and the release of a jailed ex-president in Maldives.
The Maldives government accused Sheik Imran, leader of Islamic conservative Adhaalath or Justice Party of inciting violence among the protesters with the aim of overthrowing the government. Imran had been a key organiser of the protest by three opposition parties and his arrest could exacerbate an acrimonious political climate in Maldives.
Thousands marched in the capital accusing Gayoom of jailing former President Mohamed Nasheed and others who were seen as political threats. Police fired tear gas and arrested 193 protesters.