Amnesty International says it is concerned by reports that police in the Maldives used excessive force when arresting ex-President Mohamed Nasheed.

Nasheed was taken into custody Monday after he twice failed to appear in court to face charges that he illegally ordered the arrest of a judge while in office.

An Amnesty researcher for the country said Tuesday: "We are deeply concerned about the reports of some police using violence around Mohamad Nasheed's arrest, despite neither him nor his supporters offering any resistance."

The group said it has repeatedly raised concerns about police brutality against peaceful protesters this year under the new government.

Maldives police spokesman Hasam Haneef rejected claims that police used excessive force when arresting Nasheed.

Nasheed resigned in February amid protests over the judge's arrest.