The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged all Maldivians residing and travelling to the United Kingdom (UK) to remain cautious, following the anti-Muslim protests currently occurring in the country.
In a statement, the foreign ministry urged all Maldivian citizens in the UK to adhere to the guidance provided by the High Commission of the Maldives in London. It emphasised the importance of remaining vigilant, staying informed about the evolving situation, and prioritising personal safety. The ministry recommended avoiding areas experiencing unrest, particularly Southport, and following directives issued by local authorities. Additionally, it encouraged individuals requiring further assistance to contact the High Commission of the Maldives in London directly.
Violent protests and incidents have erupted in Sunderland, a northeast city in the UK, following the killing of three children in Southport. These events were fuelled by misinformation circulating on social media, which inaccurately identified the suspect as a radical Islamist migrant. Anti-immigrant demonstrators threw stones at police in riot gear near a mosque in the city before overturning vehicles, setting a car alight and starting a fire next to a police office.
The demonstration in Sunderland was one of more than a dozen planned by anti-immigration protesters across the UK, including in the vicinity of at least two mosques in Liverpool, the closest city to where the children were killed. Several anti-racism counter-protests were also planned. British police have been deployed extensively, and mosques are implementing increased security measures.