Maldives government has begun preparations for Presidential elections later this year even as police crackdown on opposition members continue during an emergency. A statement issued from the President’s office quoted election commission’s decision to hold elections during early September and asked all stakeholders to offer their support. It may be noted that Maldives government has put all main opposition leaders either in jail or exile, on different charges.
A Supreme Court order early this month to release the opposition leaders and begin fresh retrial led to the imposition of emergency and arrest of judges of Supreme Court. The order was later revoked by remaining judges.
Meanwhile, an opposition spokesman and MP Ahmed Mahloof was taken into custody last night during a protest march. Police also entered the headquarters of a main opposition party and pepper sprayed the participants. Several people including a journalist had to be admitted to hospital for injuries.
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LANGUAGE BULLETINS 
