Maldives court orders arrest of Nasheed

A court in Maldives on Thursday ordered the arrest of ousted president Mohamed Nasheed and former defence minister, a media report said.

The Criminal Court ordered the arrest of Nasheed and former defence minister Tholhath Ibrahim Kaleyfaanu, reported haveeru.com.

In a bid to shore up his power, new Maldives President Mohamed Waheed has appointed two new ministers including army colonel Mohamed Nazim, who will be the minister of defence.

Violence erupted on Wednesday in capital Male after Nasheed, who quit the previous day, took to the streets along with thousands of his supporters.

The police and army attacked the protesters who were shouting slogans against new President Mohamed Waheed and alleging that his taking office was illegal and undemocratic.