Maldives: Protesters Clash with Security Forces over Ousted President [SLIDESHOW]

Riots erupted in the Maldives, following the resignation on Tuesday of President Mohamed Nasheed, who claimed he was forced to at gunpoint by an insurrectionary group of police officers backed by the military. Supporters of Nasheed protested in the streets of the island nation's capital of Male and were met with resistance from army and police forces.

An army officer kicks a tear gas cannister during a clash with the supporters of ousted Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed.

Protesters take cover from tear gas dispensed by Maldavian security forces.

A supporter of ousted Maldivian president Nasheed throws a bottle at riot police officers during a clash in Male

A Maldivian riot police officer wearing a gas mask stands guard as riot policemen block protesters.

Maldivian riot police chase away the protesters in the streets of Male.

Protesters march towards the police headquarters.

A Nasheed supporter blows a plastic horn called a vuvuzela.

A Nasheed supporter argues with the riot police.

Maldivian riot police and army officers stand guard as they block protesters.

Ousted Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed is carried by his supporters in the streets of Male.

Protesters rally for ousted President Nasheed in Male.

Nasheed abdicated power to former Vice President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik (pictured), who has denied claims that he engineered a coup d'etat.