Islamic Minister advises against protests in tourist areas

Minister of Islamic Affairs Dr Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has advised the public not to stage protests near hotels and tourist areas around the country.

The statements follow pro-Palestinian protests in the capital calling on the government to ban Israeli tourists from entering into the Maldives.

Speaking at a press conference held by the Cabinet's Economic Council today, Dr Shameem said that all persons who enter the country with proper visas and documentation should be accorded due protection according to the laws.

“Gathering near hotel areas and using megaphones to protest. Such acts diminish the respect we have for tourists who come to Maldives,” said the Islamic Minister.

A local fund raising effort recently amassed over a million dollars in aid to Palestinians in Gaza. The Maldives government has also banned the import of Israeli products into Maldives and has dissolved three agreements with the State of Israel.

Dr Shaheem said that other Islamic countries have commended the Maldives for its exemplary policies regarding the Palestine-Israel conflict.