Democracy threatened in Maldives, injustice to Nasheed: Kerry

COLOMBO (EconomyNext) – US Secretary of State John Kerry said democracy was under threat and former President Mohammed Nasheed had been unjustly imprisoned.

"We see even now, regrettably there are troubling signs that democracy is under threat in the Maldives where former President Nasheed has been imprisoned without due process," Kerry said in a wide ranging a speech made in Colombo on democracy and freedom.

"That is an injustice that must be addressed soon."

His comments came as several supporters of Nasheed were arrested in the Maldives capital of Male following overnight protests.