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MALE, Maldives — The president of the Maldives declared a state of emergency on Wednesday that sharply curtails citizens’ rights for 30 days following an explosion on his speedboat and the discoveries of a homemade bomb near his residence and a weapons cache.

Attorney General Mohamed Anil said President Yameen Abdul Gayoom made the decision to safeguard public safety.

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“The military and police found weapons and an explosive from two locations in their operations. Because these would be a threat to the public and the nation, the National Security Council has advised to take immediate steps to protect the people of Maldives,” Anil said.

Under the state of emergency, the military and police are able to enter and search homes without warrants and can make arrests virtually at will. Citizens are forbidden to hold protests or labor strikes or to travel between the country’s many islands.

The declaration effectively thwarts plans by the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party to hold a mass rally on Friday demanding the release of its jailed leader, former President Mohamed Nasheed. It is customary for people to travel from outer islands to participate in protests in the capital, Male.