Former Maldivian president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom was arrested at his residence in Male, Maldives, on February 5.
The arrest came amid political upheaval in the country following a Supreme Court ruling in favor of the opposition, leading to the government’s declaration of a 15-day state of emergency in the day.
According to sources on the ground, the police did not have a warrant for Gayoom’s arrest. Before being arrested, Gayoom posted a live video in which he stated he was “unsure of the allegations” and had “not done anything unlawful.” Videos posted to Twitter show police breaking in the door to Gayoom’s residence and entering. He is then escorted from the building.
Gayoom is current president Abdulla Yameen’s half-brother and ruled the country for 30 years until 2008. Gayoom has sided with the main opposition and was campaigning for the impeachment of his half-brother. Credit: Hassan Jumaid via Storyful
