A state of emergency has been declared across the nation by President Abdullah Yameen Abdul Qayyoom.
The state of emergency was declared on noon, 4th of November for a period of 30 days.
The state of emergency was declared under the powers granted to the President by Article 253 of the Constitution (under Chapter XI: State of Emergency), which says that in the event of natural disaster, dangerous epidemic disease, war, threat to national security, or threatened foreign aggression, the President may declare a state of emergency in all or part of the country for a period not exceeding thirty days.
The state of emergency was declared amid investigations into the September 28 blast incident at the presidential speedboat “Finifenma” - an incident which is now confirmed as a direct assassination attempt on President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom. Additionally, a large cache of weapons from two areas in the country, prompting concerns of more such findings to come.
The state of emergency does not restrict mobility, does not instate a curfews or restrict basic rights granted in the constitution. The declaration also said that in the event an arrest was made, the arrestees will not be deprived of their basic rights.
The state of emergency declaration also said that the biggest responsibility of the government was to ensure that the public was kept safe and secure, preserve the independence and sovereignty of the nation and will work to fulfil their mandate.
State of emergency declared across the nation
