Maldives police arrest former President Mohamed Nasheed

Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed was arrested on Tuesday (March 5, 2013) on charges of abuse of power during his tenure after months of political tension. A court had ordered police in the Maldives capital, Male, to arrest Nasheed after he avoided two warrants last month by taking refuge at the Indian Embassy for 10 days. The veteran human rights campaigner is involved in a case relating to accusations that he illegally detained a judge during the last days of his rule. A police spokesman said the ex-president will be produced in court on Wednesday. The 45-year-old former leader was picked up from his house by several dozen police wearing balaclavas and black riot gear with some armed with rubber bullet guns. An unconfirmed report spoke of clashes between his supporters and police when they came to arrest him. Nasheed's supporters turned violent soon after the arrest, attacking police and burning a motorbike. India has been informed that Nasheed's lawyers and family are going to meet him as allowed by the authorities. Follow me on Google+ to know who is talking about this story.