Maldives court backflips, suspends 12 rebel MPs

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen. File Pic

The Maldives top court has suspended 12 pro-opposition legislators before a crucial parliamentary vote on Sunday, emboldening President Abdulla Yameen as he clings to power in the troubled islands. The Supreme Court decision reverses its original order to reinstate the MPs, who had defected from the ruling party. It comes as parliament prepares to ratify a state of emergency declared by Yameen that plunged the Maldives into crisis.

The court had ruled on February 1 that the 12 defectors be reinstalled as legislators, reducing the presidents party to minority rule. This latest backflip by the SC restores Yameen's majority in the 85-member legislature. The three-judge bench said it was suspending the February 1 order to reinstate the politicians following an appeal by attorney general.

Emergency extended by 30 days in Male
The state of emergency in Maldives was on Monday extended by 30 days after a parliamentary committee approved President Yameen's request, a media report said, allowing him to reinforce his power. During a meeting of the The National Security Committee of the People's Majlis, approval was given to the Decree for State of Emergency.

February 1
SC had ruled the legislators would be reinstated

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