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.

Maldives Protesters Clash With Security Forces over Ousted President
An army officer kicks a tear gas cannister during a clash with the supporters of ousted Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed. Reuters
Maldives Protesters Clash With Security Forces over Ousted President
Protesters take cover from tear gas dispensed by Maldavian security forces. Reuters
Maldives Protesters Clash With Security Forces over Ousted President
A Nasheed supporter of Nasheed throws a bottle at riot police officers. Reuters
Maldives Protesters Clash with Security Forces over Ousted President
A Maldivian riot police officer wearing a gas mask stands guard as riot policemen block protesters. Reuters
Maldives Protesters Clash With Security Forces over Ousted President
Maldivian riot police chase away the protesters in the streets of Male. Reuters
Maldives Protesters Clash with Security Forces over Ousted President
Protesters march towards the police headquarters. Reuters
Maldives Protesters Clash with Security Forces over Ousted President
A Nasheed supporter blows a plastic horn called a vuvuzela. Reuters
Maldives Protesters Clash with Security Forces over Ousted President
A Nasheed supporter argues with the riot police. Reuters
Maldives Protesters Clash with Security Forces over Ousted President
Maldivian riot police and army officers stand guard as they block protesters. Reuters
Maldives Protesters Clash with Security Forces over Ousted President
Ousted Maldivian president Mohamed Nasheed is carried by his supporters in the streets Male. Reuters
Maldives Protesters Clash with Security Forces over Ousted President
Protesters rally for ousted President Nasheed in Male. Reuters
Maldives Protesters Clash with Security Forces over Ousted President
Nasheed abdicated power to former Vice President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik (pictured), who has denied claims that he engineered a coup d'etat. Reuters