Police have removed a Christmas tree placed outside a guesthouse in Kaafu Atoll Maafushi, a popular destination for local tourism.
Police said that around 20:33 pm, a report was lodged at police saying that a Christmas tree was placed outside Kaani Beach Guest House in Maafushi in violation of the Religious Unity Act.
It said that police had tried to remove the tree by negotiating with the party that placed the Christmas tree but sought a court order after failing to do so.
Police said that its officers had removed the Christmas Tree from the premises as per the court order and had transferred the tree to the Police Station on the island.
The court order read that police can seize any material that can be used against Islam or any material that is prohibited under the laws of the Maldives. Under the court order, Police have the power to keep the tree under its custody for 62 days.
Prominent religious scholars voiced concerns following the confiscation of the Christmas Tree from Maafushi.
Religious Scholar Dr. Mohamed Iyaz said that the country’s religion and freedom must not be compromised in order to expand businesses.
Meanwhile, Scholar Ali Zaid noted in a tweet that Christmas is a Christian festival that relates to the Prophet Isa (PBUH), who is revered as a God in the religion, and Muslims in circumstances must celebrate the festival.
He said that it's saddening to see some Maldivians take part in Christmas celebrations.
The issue has divided opinion on social media with some pointing out that with Christmas around the corner, the image of police removing a Christmas tree would hurt local tourism.
While some have stated that if guest houses in local islands are not allowed to celebrate such holidays that relate to guests staying with them then resorts should also be prohibited from celebrating such occasions.
The Maldives has been witnessing a steady flow of tourists into the country with its busiest season fast approaching that coincides with both Christmas and the New Year.
