News In Brief

Indian teacher tied up after islanders mistake compass for crucifix

30 Sep 2010, 6:42 PM

Minivan News

An Indian teacher on Foakaidhoo in Shaviyani Atoll has been rescued by authorities after islanders tied her up and attempted to throw her off the island for allegedly drawing a crucifix.

Haveeru reported that senior teacher at the island’s school Ibrahim Rasheed attempted to explain to the “devout Muslim” parents that the design drawn was a plus symbol marking north, south, east, and west directions on a map.

Following a joint investigation by the Parent-Teacher Association and school management, “they refused to accept the facts when their claim that the teacher had drawn a [crucifix] was explained,” Rasheed told Haveeru.

Students and parents protested outside the school on Wednesday evening, he said.

Meanwhile the teacher, who has worked at the school for three years, has been moved to Funadhoo.