President Yameen Abdul Gayoom of Maldives revokes state of emergency

The president of the Maldives has revoked a state of emergency after less than a week, following widespread international condemnation and concerns about its impact on the country’s tourism industry.

President Yameen Abdul Gayoom declared the state of emergency last Wednesday, citing a security threat following a blast on his speedboat in September and the subsequent recovery of weapons and a home-made bomb near his official residence.

The declaration was widely condemned for suspending basic citizens’ rights and giving the military and police power to search and arrest almost at will.