Maldives sets free 122 detainees

A total of 185 people were detained after the unprecedented Aug. 13 anti-government protest. Security forces fired tear gas to disperse about 3,000 demonstrators who gathered outside the police headquarters the capital Male, in a crackdown that drew international criticism.

Dozens of protesters were wounded and the government declared a state of emergency.

In the statement seen yesterday, the government said police had freed 122 detainees as of Monday.

"The government has implemented numerous reforms in the criminal justice system and to ensure that prisoners are treated well," chief government spokesman Ahmed Shaheed said in the statement.

Meanwhile, a European Union fact-finding team concluded its two-day visit to the Maldives during which it held talks with government officials and reformists. The six EU diplomats based in neighbouring Colombo, Sri Lanka, are likely to submit a written report later this week.

The government has called the demonstration a coup attempt - a charge denied by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party.

President Gayoom has ruled this island nation of 278,000 people - a popular tourist destination 500km India's coast - with an iron fist since 1978.