Maldives police probe alleged bid to topple government

Maldives police investigate alleged coup attempt amid financial crisis

Police in the Maldives are investigating an alleged attempt to topple President Mohamed Muizzu by stirring anger over the Indian Ocean archipelago's worsening financial woes.

Last week, the main commercial bank in the upmarket tourist destination drastically reduced the foreign exchange spending allowed for Maldivians, sparking widespread anger.

Mr. Muizzu has slammed the move as an "illegal attempt" to overthrow his government, by making him unpopular and encouraging street protests.

"An investigation has been launched into the alleged coup attempt," the police said in a statement on Monday. (August 26, 2024)

There have been no demonstrations in the capital Male, but scathing criticism of the government has erupted online.

"Hundreds of 'bot' accounts have been used on social media to encourage people to take to the streets to overthrow the government and incite public unrest," police said.

The bank said the changes, which they have since rescinded, came "in response to the escalating usage of foreign currency spend on cards and the static sale of foreign currency to the Bank".