Police in Maldives have arrested former president Mohamed Nasheed.

He was arrested Monday for failing to appear at a hearing to face charges that he illegally ordered the arrest of a judge.

Police say Mr. Nasheed, the country's first democratically elected leader, will remain in custody until he is taken to court in the capital, Male.

The former president has ignored a court case against him related to the detention of a judge during the last days of his rule earlier this year. He has refused to follow orders to appear at the hearing and stay in the capital.

Mr. Nasheed was forced from office in February after his order to arrest a senior judge sparked three weeks of protests.

His former deputy, Waheed Hassan, was sworn in as president hours after Mr. Nasheed resigned.