Teacher preaches Christianity “to leave country” in lieu of vacation

A computer teacher from India working at Vaikaradhoo School in Haa Dhaalu Atoll has been sent home for allegedly preaching Christianity.

Island Councillor Ahmed Hashim said the teacher had denied Islam and promoted Christianity to her students and other teachers, explaining he had received information about the case on Thursday.

Hashim said as soon as the island office was informed the police were called and the woman taken to the police station.

”During her departure from the island she also telephoned the island chief and requested permission to preach,” Hashim said.

He claimed the teacher was attempting to leave the Maldives “by any means necessary”, and had said as much to her students. He added the woman had requested a vacation but this request had been denied.

Head of the Haa Dhaalu Atoll police station Ibrahim Manik refused to comment on the matter. Sub Inspector of police Ahmed Shiyam meanwhile confirmed that the case was reported to the police but he was unable to give details.

He said the education ministry took action against the woman.

Head of the Education Unit of the Upper North Province Ibrahim Asif confirmed the ministry has sent the teacher back to India yesterday evening ”because the police recommended we do so after their investigation.”

”We fired her and sent back to India,” Asif said, noting that she was not technically deported as she had not appeared in court.

He guaranteed that while the woman might return, she would not receive any post in the ministry.

Principal of Vaikaradhu school Mohamed Rabeeu had failed to respond Minivan News at time of press.

Spokesperson for Islamic Ministry Sheikh Ahmadulla meanwhile said the case was unrelated to the ministry.

”As a matter of fact the teacher was sponsored by education ministry and they took action,” he said, ”so why should we say anything?”