"France is concerned by the suspension of public freedoms and by the arrests that took place following the declaration of the state of emergency in the Maldives," the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs spokesperson said in a statement on Wednesday.
"We call for a swift return to the normal functioning of the institutions and for respect for the rule of law," the statement said
"France reaffirms its attachment to respect for fundamental freedoms, the freedom of opinion and expression, as well as the rights of the opposition."
The Indian Ocean archipelago nation has been hit by political turmoil ever since President Yameen refused to release high-profile political dissidents, including former President Mohammed Nasheed, in defiance of a February 1 apex court order, sparking protests.
On Monday, Yameen declared a 15-day state of emergency, and ordered the arrest of the Supreme Court Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and another judge, Ali Hameed.
India, China and Britain have issued travel warnings to their citizens.
Meanwhile, former President Nasheed, who is living in self-exile in Sri Lanka, has sought India's help to resolve the crisis, saying Indians "are not occupiers but liberators".
In the latest development, Yameen has said he was sending envoys to three "friendly nations" -- China, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. India is not on the list.
(This story has not been edited by Social News XYZ staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
