The United Nations’ secretary-general António Guterres has called on all parties in the Maldives to practice restraint and the Supreme Court ruling to be respected.

This was shared in post on Twitter from the United Nations’ spokesperson, with a two-paragraph statement attached.

“The Secretary-General reiterates his belief in finding a solution to the political stalemate in the Maldives through all-party talks, which the United Nations continues to stand ready to facilitate” the statement reads.

The Supreme Court on Thursday night ruled to have several prominent politicians serving criminal sentences released.

Hours after the ruling, Attorney General Mohamed Anil announced in a press conference that the government has yet to decipher the validity of the apex court’s ruling.

News outlets have also reported that the government is seeking to have the ruling appealed, which would require measures entirely out of the ordinary as the constitution states the court to have the final authority on legal matters.

The police had also previously said that they would enforce the ruling, although the police commissioner has since been dismissed and replaced by his deputy.

The highly contentious decision on the part of the government has been met with demonstrations on the roads of capital city Malé, with participants calling for its immediate enforcement.