COLOMBO - Tanks guarded the Maldivian president's house in the capital of the Muslim island nation yesterday following two days of violence which has left three people dead.

While there were no reports of violence yesterday, two tanks guarded President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's house in Male and armed guards were posted outside government buildings, said one resident on condition of anonymity.

The violence apparently started with a riot on Friday at a prison on an island close to Male.

Inmates were thought to be protesting against torture.

Three prisoners were killed when police cracked down, according to their relatives.

Five officials from the elite National Security Service, who were allegedly responsible for the torture, were later suspended, said Mr Gayoom.

Witnesses said a protest on Saturday by relatives of the dead men turned into a riot.

A mob set fire to the Election Commission's office and the High Court building. The government imposed a curfew which was lifted yesterday. No injuries were reported.

Friday was also the deadline for submitting applications for the country's upcoming presidential elections.

Protests are unusual in the Maldives, which Mr Gayoom, 64, has ruled for more than two decades.

Critics accuse the government of corruption, failing to check rising unemployment, crime and drug abuse. -- AP