Ex-Maldivian’s brother arrested amid violence

Amid escalating political crisis in Maldives, former president Mohammed Nasheed’s younger brother has been arrested along with 17 other protesters in Male on Thursday afternoon. According to the reports, supporters of Mohammed Nasheed allegedly prevented President Mohammed Waheed Hassan from delivering his opening speech at the Parliament today. Following this, violence erupted between Maldivian police and supporters of former president during which Nashhed’s younger brother was arrested. Maldives is under the grip of deepening political crisis since Mohammed Nasheed resigned on February 7 amid fears of military coup. The ousted leader and his party MDP have been demanding the holding fresh elections in the country. Meanwhile, India has stepped up diplomatic efforts to help end the political crisis following the ouster of the first democratically elected President Nasheed.