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UK issues travel advisory to Maldives

Fathmath Shaahunaz
06 February 2018, MVT 17:16
Tourists on the walkway leading to the water villas in Cocoon Maldives resort. PHOTO: HUSSAIN WAHEED/MIHAARU
Fathmath Shaahunaz
06 February 2018, MVT 17:16

The United Kingdom has updated its travel advisory to the Maldives, warning tourists to be cautious when travelling to capital Male as the government had declared a state of emergency late Monday night.

The advisory warned travellers to be cautious when visiting the capital as security forces have been deployed in response to the developing political turmoil in the country.

It also advised travellers that protests and rallies often take place in Male with some leading to violence and arrests. The UK urged travellers to take appropriate security precautions, comply with local security requirements and avoid protests and rallies.

The UK further noted that there were currently no reports that the outlying island resorts and Velana International Airport have been affected by the political tensions.

The government of the Maldives had announced the 15-day state of emergency after a deadlock on the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling late Thursday, which ordered the release of nine political prisoners, reinstated 12 legislators that were unseated for defecting from the ruling party, and annulled the apex court’s previous ban on floor-crossing. President Abdulla Yameen had had five prominent figures arrested in a crackdown following the SOE declaration, including former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed.

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