Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed was arrested by the police today afternoon. President Waheed’s spokersman Masood Imad said, Mr. Nasheed was arrested on court order in the case of misuse of power and will be produced in the court tomorrow evening.

Thousands of supporters of Mr. Nasheed have assembled near his residence leading to a tense situation in capital Male. Security forces are on high alert in the city. Several Maldivian Democratic Party members have been arrested on the streets while participating in demonstraions. The U.S. Embassy in Colombo has expressed concern over the developments and appealed for calm.

Meanwhile, New Delhi expressed hope that due process and the rule of law would be followed with the former Maldivian President Nasheed. In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs urged all concerned in Maldives to exercise caution and restraint and not to resort to any violence or extra-constitutional means which would weaken the democratic system.