MALE: Clashes broke out in the Maldives on Friday after thousands of supporters of the tropical archipelago’s jailed former president took to the streets to call for his release.

Police used stun guns, tear gas and pepper spray to disperse crowds and stopped them from entering the high-security government zone in the capital Male, a police spokesman said.

A crowd of more than 10,000 people had gathered earlier on Friday, before marching through the streets chanting “Free Nasheed”.

The protest was the largest since Nasheed was imprisoned in March for his role in ordering the arrest of a judge in a trial the United Nations has said was highly flawed and politically motivated.

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2015

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