Maldivian opposition protesters demand the release of political prisoners during a protest on Friday. Pics/AFP

The Supreme Court of the Maldives on Thursday ordered the immediate release of former president Mohammed Nasheed and eight other opposition leaders, saying their trials had violated the constitution and international law - but it also ordered new trials. The country has been mired in political unrest since Nasheed, its first democratically elected leader, was ousted in 2012.