Maldives declares 30-day emergency
The declaration by President Abdulla Yameen gives security forces sweeping powers to arrest suspects.
It comes two days before the planned protest by the country's main opposition, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
MDP leader Mohamed Nasheed was jailed in March after a widely criticised conviction under anti-terror laws.
"President Yameen has declared (a) state of emergency to ensure the safety and security of every citizen," his spokesman Muaz Ali tweeted.
The Maldives has been rocked by political infighting in recent weeks, with vice-president Ahmed Adeeb arrested in connection with an alleged plot to assassinate the president.
Mr Yameen narrowly escaped injury when a blast struck the boat he was using to return home from the airport late last month.
Mr Adeeb has been charged with high treason. For more information go to BBC.com.
