Maldives VP takes oath as head of state

Maldives' Vice-President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik speaks in Male, in this still image taken from video February 7, 2012. President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives resigned on Tuesday after weeks of protests erupted into a police mutiny, leaving the man widely credited with bringing democracy to the paradise islands accused of being as dictatorial as his predecessor. Nasheed handed power over the Indian Ocean archipelago to Manik, who was sworn in in the afternoon, explaining that continuing in office.[Photo/Agencies]

COLOMBO - Maldives Vice-President Hassan on Tuesday took oath as president after Mohamed Nasheed announced resignation amid protests.

Mohamed Nasheed who just resigned as president of the Maldives is in custody and will face charges, an opposition spokesman said.

Hussain Shareef, chief spokesperson and member of the interim council of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) said Nasheed is in the custody of army and will be granted the constitutional rights.

Nasheed announced his resignation at a televised press conference on Tuesday following overnight protests and demonstrations.

Nasheed said at a time of chaos he believes the best for the country would be his resignation adding that he does not want to see further unrest and bloodshed to continue in the country.

He urged all parties to adhere to democratic values and the constitution.

His resignation came after opposition protesters continued antigovernment rallies in the capital for 22 consecutive nights, triggered after the detention of criminal court judge Abdullah Mohamed.

Violence broke out on Monday night as the army and police were deployed to break up protesters at Republic Square.Jamal claimed that a majority of the policemen later supported the protest seeking the removal of Nasheed and this led to a confrontation between the army and police.