We still have a list of suspected brothels: Minister Shaheem

Minister of Islamic Affairs Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has said that most places suspected of prostitution have been closed down, but the Ministry still has a list of suspected brothels.

He said that work is underway to set up a structure for the operation of alternative medicine centre, spas and beauty parlours on islands inhabited by Maldivians.

Speaking at a meeting held to provide information on the Ministry’s efforts during the past 100 days, Shaheem said that the new structure will not allow any obscene practices in the country.

“The purpose is to leave no room for such practices. These places are not operated directly under Islamic Ministry. Otherwise it would be easy to take the necessary action against them. Such obscene practices will not be allowed in Maldives,” Shaheem said.

Minister of State for Islamic Affairs Mohamed Didi said that these places are often not operated as brothels; however obscene activities are encouraged in some lines of work. He said that the structure will allow the Ministry to monitor such places.

“These things are conducted via other professions where people are working to earn money. We are trying to set up a method to monitor these activities. For example, some people operate them as beauty salons. Nobody monitors their activities. We are trying to revise the regulations such that they are registered and assigned guardians,” Didi said.

He said that they are collaborating with Health Ministry, Tourism Ministry and Police in setting up the new structure.

Since the change of government, Police have closed down seven brothels in Male’ operated as beauty salons and under other names.