UNITED NATIONS - UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday expressed serious concern about the situation in the Maldives, the declaration of a state of emergency and security forces entering Supreme Court premises.

In a statement, his spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said, "The Secretary-General urges the Government of the Maldives to uphold the constitution and rule of law, lift the state of emergency as soon as possible, and take all measures to ensure the safety and security of the people in the country, including members of the judiciary."

Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen on Tuesday said he had declared a 15-day state of emergency because the Supreme Court chief justice had planned to overthrow the government.

Yameen, in an address to the nation which was televised across the island state, said the recent Supreme Court order to release top opposition leaders was "shocking" and threatened to "cripple" the functioning of the state.

Former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed were arrested shortly after the state of emergency was declared on charges of plotting to overthrow the government.