Maldives vice president takes oath as head of state

Maldives Vice President Mohammad Waheed Hassan Tuesday took oath as the president after Mohamed Nasheed announced his resignation amid protests.

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

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

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

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

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

Violence broke out Monday night as the army and police were deployed to break up protesters at Republic Square.