By - - SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
Added: Mon, 26 Dec 2011 18:41:43 UTC

Thousands in the Maldives protested Friday, calling on the government to halt what they called "anti-Islamic" activities, including a plan to allow direct flights to Israel. More moderate supporters of the president rallied as well as debate swells over the future of the state's religion.

A Maldivian woman holds a placard that reads "Maldivians support leaders who follow Islam" during a protest calling on the government to enforce strict Islamic law in Male, Maldives, Friday, Dec. 23, 2011. More than 3,000 people heeded a protest call by opposition Adhaalat or Justice Party and several other religious groups that accuse President Mohammed Nasheed's government of compromising principles of Islam while Government supporters held a counter rally against what they call religious extremism. Maldives is an Indian Ocean archipelago of 300,000 Muslims that prohibits practicing any other religion.

The Indian Ocean archipelago of 300,000 Muslims prohibits practicing any other faith.

The protesters want authorities to stop the sale of alcohol in the islands, shut down brothels operating in the guise of massage parlors and demolish monuments gifted by other countries marking a South Asian summit last month because they see them as idols.

More than 3,000 people heeded a protest call by the opposition Adhaalat, or Justice, Party and several other groups that accuse President Mohammed Nasheed's government of compromising principles of Islam and call for strict Islamic law.

"Islamic Shariah is equal to peace," read some placards carried by protesters.

Though the country is known more for its exquisite island resorts and does not allow stoning or executions, it is under scrutiny for its absence of religious freedom and for punishments such as public flogging.

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TAGGED: ISLAM, LAW, RELIGION, SOCIETY