UN rights chief condemns 'all-out assault on democracy' in Maldives

The UN human rights chief has said the declaration of a state of emergency in the Maldives and the resulting suspension of constitutional guarantees amounts to an "all-out assault on democracy".

Political turmoil has swept the Maldives since a surprise court ruling last week ordered the release of jailed opposition leaders, including many of President Yameen Abdul Gayoom's main political rivals. He imposed a state of emergency on Monday.