Dr. Waheed has taken oath as the New President

The series of ongoing protests in Male’ have heated up tonight more than usual. Confrontations have taken place between Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) and Police.

It is understood that the confrontations began when MNDF attempted to arrest several Police Officers.

About 800 Police officers are currently gathered at the Republic Square. Several of them are calling for the resignation of President Nasheed. Two Police Officers are issuing commands to these officers separately.

Tonight’s unrest has resulted in VTV building being set on fire. Information is received that PPM main hall has also been set on fire.

MNDF is currently in charge of everything related to bringing the situation under control.

Reporters are not allowed near the Republic Square area. They were asked to remain at a distance from this area.

Information has been received that Police Commissioner Ahmed Faseeh has resigned following tonight's unrest.

Protests and unrest are ongoing in various areas in Male'. Confrontations are taking place between pro-government groups and opposition groups all over the island.

Police at Republic Square are on alert following information that MNDF Special Forces are on their way to arrest them. Police warn of confrontations if MNDF attempts to arrest them.

Protesters break a large part of the fences blocking the way to the Republic Square from MMA side, put up by Male' City Council.

A large number of protesters have made their way close to Republic Square. They are calling for protection for the Police.

A large group of the public have gathered at Republic Square area. They are calling for the resignation of President Nasheed.

The public are using loudspeakers to cheer and applaud Maldives Police.

Police Officers at other areas of Male' are joining those at Republic Square.

As reporters are not allowed near the Republic Square area, Sun News Team is reporting from nearby dhonis, buildings and houses.

Information has been received that MNDF plans to use tear gas on Police.

It is understood that MNDF has been ordered to use rubber bullets to disperse the Police Officers from Republic Square.

Word has been received that Addu Cultural Center is also on fire.

The public begins forming crowds at MMA area once again. Protesters destroy about twenty feet of the fence at MTCC Tower area.

A commanding officer has addressed the Police officers at Republic Square and advised them to go home.

The gathered group of Police officers are refusing to follow his advice.

A Senior Police Officer meets and talks with the Police at Republic Square.

The main demands made by the Police group are that no action is taken against the Police Officers involved in tonight's activities, and the assurance that unlawful practices will not be carried out in the future.

The public has torn down major part of the fences at MMA area.

Several Police Officers are lying down at Republic Square. They are meanwhile being provided with water and energy drinks.

MNDF has arrested two individuals near MMA area following the destruction of the fence.

An army of MNDF Officers has arrived at the scene. They are standing in front of the Police at Republic Square.

Police warns that if MNDF attacks, they will respond with violence.

Several members of the public armed with wooden weapons have entered the area to join the Police Officers.

Police repeatedly ask the public to stay out of this situation.

Both groups are standing facing each other.

An announcement has just been made that the Commissioner of Police is on his way to talk to the Police Officers at Republic Square.

A large group of the public at MMA area have entered the Republic Square area and started throwing things.

Police are making efforts to control the public.

MNDF Officers who were managing the situation at MMA are have abandoned the area.

Police at Republic Square unite hands.

The line of MNDF Officers moves back. They have now formed rows in front of Police Headquarters.

The public has been moved up to MMA with the assistance of the Police.

Word spreads at Republic Square that a group of MDP activists are on their way to confront the Police.

However no MDP groups have entered the area to confront the Police.

Conflicts just took place outside the area between MDP groups and the public.

An announcement has been made that the Police Commissioner wishes to meet with the Police Officers, however he does not wish to hold the meeting here.

A group of Police Officers begin walking.

Rest of the Police Officers are begging them to not leave the area.

MNDF begins to form lines close to the Police once again.

Police also form lines with Riot Police in front.

Police reiterate that the Commissioner would have to go to Republic Square if he wishes to talk to them.

A Police Official announces that the Commissioner should be able to communicate his message to the Police while they are at Republic Square.

MNDF backs up again, up till Police Headquarters.

Police with shields in the front row have also sat on the ground.

Members of the public enter Republic Square with water, Milo packets and other drinks for the Police.

President Nasheed has met with the Police.

He told them that they are still accepted as the Police, that they have made a mistake, and that they should now leave the area.

The Police however remain at the Square.

Information has been received that Police from several Male' atoll islands are to arrive in Male'.

Also, B. Eydhafushi Police are said to have closed their Police Station and departed for Male'.

It has been announced that the Commissioner will meet with the Police. They are asked to remain where they are.

Information has been received that Addu Police also departed last night bound for Male'.

MDP is holding a protest on the south side of the Republic Square. They are calling for the arrest of opposition political leaders.

Opposition parties are holding a protest on the north side of the Square. They are calling for protection for the Police and for the resignation of President Nasheed.

MNDF, which is in charge of controlling the protests, have abandoned the area and headed towards their headquarters.

Several protesters have been arrested.

Police have stopped members of MDP who tried to enter the Republic Square area to attack the Police.

Police move opposition protesters back, and repeatedly advise the public to remain at a distance.

Confrontations begin between Police and MNDF. Gunshots are being fired into the air.

Several people are injured.

Members of the public join the Police and line up in front of MNDF Headquarters.

Police exercise their power.

All the MNDF are are inside their head quarters.

Police and Public outside MNDF headquarters

Police and the public attack MNDF Headquarters.

Objects are being thrown at MNDF main gate.

Police take over protest against MNDF.

Several MNDF Officers have opened their gate and told the Police that they are with them.

MNDF Officers who came out of their Headquarters have joined forces with the Police.

Large number of MNDF Officers also join the protest.

Members of the public are sitting at Republic Square.

The public is being advised to be prepared for MNDF using guns. People are advised to lie on the ground if a gunshot is heard.

Another group of MNDF Officers have joined the Police. An announcement is made indicating that an MNDF Official will arrive soon to hold discussions.

Police have damaged the tires of an MNDF vehicle.

The cameras outside MNDF office and the vehicles outside the Police office are damaged beyond use.

An official from ADK has said that the hospital beds are full with injured people. ADK is on alert while IGMH has declared emergency.

Information has been received that a Police team has departed to Girifushi to bring back Judge Abdulla.

Former Deputy Commissioners of Police Fayaz and Riyaz are seen talking to MNDF Officers in front of MNDF Headquarters.

Glass windows are being broken inside Police Headquarters.

Police has gone to take over MNBC.

MNBC live coverage has been dismissed.

Sub Inspector Jinah and Athy has been taken to Dhoonidhoo

Leader of Jumhooree Party and Maamigili MP Gasim Ibrahim is speaking to the protesters.

Over a thousand people are celebrating in Republic Square with the National Flaq.

More MNDF officers are joining the protest.

Former Deputy of Police, Naazim has entered MNDF Headquarters and given their demands, which includes resignation of President Nasheed, Police Commissioner and Deputy Police Commissioner without any negotiations. They have given the deadline as 01:30PM today.

MNDF and Police are calling out for President Nasheed's resignation infront of MNDF Headquarters.

Police Commissioner, Faseeh has confirmed his resignation.

Deadline as of 11:15AM has been given to MNBC to stop the programs that are being aired at the moment.

Police and MNDF has taken over MNBC. At the moment VTV's transmission is aired through MNBC channel.

Words have spread that Police and MNDF has gone to Hilaaleege to bring the Vice President.

Fairooz has been appointed to rule the Police and he has taken over the Police force in his official attire.

Name of MNBC has been changed to Television Maldives and is being handled by Haleel who was the former MD of MNBC One. 5 staffs have been arrested from MNBC.

Commissioner Waheed who has given resignation last night has been taken by Police.

President Nasheed has made the decision to resign. An announcement has been made that he will resign at President's Office and in front of the media. The public is celebrating at Republic Square as we speak.

Colonel Nazim is currently in charge of MNDF. He has advised the public to avoid physically touching President Nasheed.

Parliament President Abdulla Shahid has called all people and institutions to keep their actions within the limits of the law.

In a press release issued by the Parliament Office, they said that the country is facing a dangerous and sad situation. They advised every party involved to fully oblige with the rules of the constitution.

Efforts are underway to bring Chief Judge of Criminal Court Abdulla Mohamed to Male' on Police boat.

MNDF escort President Nasheed to President's Office in a car. The car is being moved by pushing. The whole area is controlled by the Police and MNDF.

Strict security measures have been taken. Members of the media are in one separate area. MNDF is leading the procession.

The car arrives at President's Office.

Judge Abdulla arrives in Male'.

Media has just been allowed inside the President's Office.

Information is received that a Police group has entered Velaanaage building. A large crowd has gathered at this area.

Press release issued by Civil Service Commission: The Commission advises all civil servants to continue providing services to Maldivian citizens with honesty and justice in the country's current delicate situation.

Mohamed Nasheed of Keneryge has just resigned from the post of Maldives President.

President Nasheed made this announcement at the press conference currently ongoing at President's Office.

President Nasheed: I resign today because if I remain as President, it may cause even more damage to Maldivian people. If I try to hold this government together any longer, it may impose international pressure on Maldives. I resign with sincerity. I made this decision because I only want the best for Maldivian people. I wish for democracy and justice to remain in our country. I wish for the development and improvement of the Maldives.

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik will be sworn in as President of Maldives shortly. This ceremony will be held at the Parliament building.

Former Attorney General Husnu Su'ood said that President Nasheed must tender his resignation in writing to the Parliament President. This should be followed by the Vice President being sworn in as President of Maldives in the presence of the Parliament President. The Parliament then has to approve of the new President.

He also said that the constitution is not clear regarding the resignation of the ministers of a former government. He believes since the ministers were appointed to implement the policies of the former government, they should submit their resignations.

President Nasheed has submitted his letter of resignation to the Parliament President Abdulla Shahid as required by article 121 (a) of the constitution.

Vice President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik takes oath of office as President of Maldives.

(more updates coming soon...)