The ousted president of the Maldives says threats of violence forced him to resign and that new President Mohammed Waheed Hassan, the former vice president, should immediately step down.

Mohamed Nasheed told his supporters Wednesday that he was forced from office in a coup. He urged the country's judiciary to investigate those responsible for his ouster.

In an interview with the French news agency, Mr. Nasheed said he feared that his successor was involved in the coup attempt and had seized the chance to take over.

President Hassan denied the allegations, saying he was unprepared to take control of the country. During a news conference, he announced he plans to appoint a unity cabinet in the next few days.

Mr. Hassan was sworn in Tuesday after Mr. Nasheed, the country's first democratically elected president, resigned following weeks of anti-government protests that were joined by police.

Mr. Nasheed told the country in a televised speech on Tuesday that he was stepping down because he had no desire to use force to maintain his rule.

Mr. Nasheed's resignation announcement came after mutinous police took over the state television headquarters in the capital, Male, and broadcast calls for him to step down. Earlier, a group of police had joined an opposition protest and attacked a nearby demonstration led by members of the ruling party, prompting soldiers to use tear gas.

The government had faced three weeks of mounting protests after Mr. Nasheed ordered the arrest of a senior judge on charges of misconduct and favoring opposition figures.

Mr. Waheed, the Supreme Court and the United Nations Human Rights Commission all called for the judge to be released.

Mr. Nasheed became president in 2008, replacing Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who held office for 30 years under a one-party system.

The Republic of Maldives is a Muslim-majority nation made up of about 1,200 islands scattered in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka. It is famous for its beach resorts and hotels that cater to newly married couples and high-end travellers. There was no immediate indication that the political unrest affected the country's tourism industry.

The spokesperson for U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said Tuesday that Mr. Ban had learned of Mr. Nasheed's resignation and expressed “strong hope” the hand-over of power would lead to the peaceful resolution of the country's political crisis.