Maldives president ‘lies about everything’

The exquisite pieces, at the Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi, are nestled in the world’s first semi-submerged museum and were created by British artist Jason deCaires Taylor. They are based on casts of real people, about half of whom are from the Maldives.

But the government faced criticism from religious scholars and politicians who deem human-form sculptures to be anti-Islamic.

The President’s Office said there was “significant public sentiment against the installation of underwater sculptures” and ordered their removal – also setting a deadline – with Yameen being praised for his religious integrity.