The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has once again urged Maldivians residing and travelling to the United Kingdom (UK) to exercise caution, as they have been informed of plans to organise over 100 protests in various regions of the country. The ministry revealed the High Commission of the Maldives in London is actively monitoring the safety of the Maldivians in UK, since the beginning of the protests on July 29.
In a statement, the foreign ministry urged all Maldivian citizens travelling to and residing in the UK to be more cautious of the situation. The ministry requested all to adhere to the guidance provided by the High Commission, emphasising the importance of remaining vigilant, staying informed about the evolving situation, and prioritising personal safety. The ministry recommended avoiding areas experiencing unrest, and following directives issued by the UK government. Additionally, it encouraged individuals requiring further assistance to contact the High Commission of the Maldives in London directly. The High Commission has also requested all Maldivians residing in the UK to register in the High Commission.
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 UK Police reported that the criminal was a 17-year-old resident from the UK.
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.
The Prime Minister of UK Keir Starmer has expressed deep concern and has condemned the unrest in the country. He affirmed that strict action will be taken by the police to control and to prevent the escalation of the situation.