This picture taken on February 21, 2018 shows Maldivian opposition supporters scuffling with security forces officers during a protest demanding the release of political prisoners in Male. Maldives President Abdulla Yameen extended a draconian state of emergency by another month on February 20, ignoring a growing chorus of international concern and calls for democracy to be restored in the honeymoon islands. Pic/AFP

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen has turned down UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' offer to mediate between him and the opposition in the ongoing political crisis, Guterres's Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said. "He offered to the President (Yameen) UN mediation but he conveyed that mediation was not wanted at this stage," Haq said.