The Maldivian government closed all luxury spas, health centers and massage parlors after Islamist groups pressured the government to close them because they were deemed un-Islamic. The opposition Islamist party in this small archipalego country has demanded the closure of the premises and said they "offend Islam".
The President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, issued the ban on Saturday (31/12/2011). He said the idea came from opposition parties angry at the widespread sale of pork and alcohol.
The import of alcohol is strictly prohibited in the Maldives and Islamist groups are now calling for a complete ban.
The Maldives is a Sunni Muslim country with a population of 400.000 and home to more than 1.200.
"The government has decided to close massage parlors and spas in the Maldives, following last week the opposition leading the protests calling for the closure of these venues," said President Mohamed Nasheed's office in a statement.
"We never asked for a ban," said opposition spokesman Ahamed Mahloof. “We want massage parlors and liquor to be banned on the inhabited islands to prevent prostitution and the spread of drugs and alcohol from the local population.
The Maldives is a vacation paradise, famous for its pristine white sand beaches.
This place is always visited by celebrities from all over the world. Tourists have to pay up to $ 1.000 a night at hotels and resorts spread across the islands of the Maldives. (Daily Mail / Sabili). *
