Maldivians shouldn’t fight foreign wars in name of Islam, says Islamic minister
28 May 2014, 5:22 PM
Mariyath Mohamed
Minister of Islamic Affairs Sheikh Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed has stated that, while the ministry is not aware of Maldivians taking part in Syria’s civil war, he does not believe it is right for locals to join foreign conflicts.
“This ministry is not aware of any Maldivians fighting in the Syrian war, nor is it a matter that concerns us. However, I personally do not believe it is right for any Maldivian youth to join another country’s war in the name of Islam,” he said.
The Islamic leader’s comments follow this week’s reports that two Maldivians had died while fighting forces loyal to Bashar Al Assad in Syria.
One government-aligned MP as well as a former senior police officer have today branded the authorities’ response insufficient and “irresponsible”.
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