Maldives Officials Destroy Underwater Statue Gallery
The underwater art, made up of sealife-clad human forms that attract divers and snorkelers, inspired complaints from religious leaders in the country, where Islam is the official religion.
Maldives’ outgoing president Abdulla Yameen instructed that the sculptures be removed and destroyed because they are viewed as “idols,” which are banned by the religion.
In issuing the order, Yameen also asserted that there was “significant public sentiment” in opposition to the artwork.
As News.com.au explained, hardline Islam rejects any man-made depiction of the human form.
Such a shame.