Police arrest 80 people trying to get into airport

The Maldives police intercepted two boats in the sea containing some 80 people who were trying to land on the airport island near Malé. The people onboard were planning to stage a protest at airport and remove certain banners or posters put up to promote SAARC summit which depicted Jesus.   

two boats intercepted

The protesters say that under Religious Unity Regulations it was illegal to propagate any other religion in Maldives except Islam.

The protesters were led by opposition PPM Member of Parliament Ahmed Mahlouf and Ali Arif, another MP. Both were handcuffed and taken to the prison island of Dhoonidhoo in the early hours of the night. Later, all those arrested were released in the morning.

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Written by: Ibrahim Nazim

10 November 2011, Thursday

14 Thw al-Hijjah 1432