Maldivian President seeks extension of state of emergency

Male, Feb 19 Maldives President Abdulla Yameen on Monday requested Parliament to extend the state of emergency for a further 15 days amid the ongoing political crisis.

Parliament, which was convened for a special session, was now discussing the President's request and will soon take a vote among legislators, reports Xinhua news agency.

A decision will be announced soon.

Yameen had declared a 15-day state of emergency on February 5, after a surprise Supreme Court ruling ordering the release of nine opposition leaders including self-exiled former President Mohamed Nasheed.

The Supreme Court ruling was, however, rescinded shortly after the announcement of the state of emergency.