Protests grip Maldives

Hundreds of protestors have taken to the streets in the Maldivian capital Male amid a standoff between President Mohamed Nasheed and the judiciary, officials and residents said on Thursday.
Anti-government activists demonstrated overnight keeping up pressure on Nasheed who initiated the arrest Monday of the head of the country's criminal court on charges of misconduct and favouring opposition figures.
The government on Wednesday raised fears of Islamic extremism taking hold in the Indian Ocean atoll nation, which is best known for its upmarket tourism and as a destination for honeymooners.