Maldives issues travel advisory over UK anti-Muslim riots

Maldives has issued a travel advisory over the anti-Muslim riots taking place in the United Kingdom.

The rioting comes in wake of the stabbing in Southport of the three children – Alice Dasilva Aguiar, 9; Elsie Dot Stancombe, 7; and Bebe King, 6 – at a Taylor Swift-inspired summer holiday dance class on July 29.

Online misinformation attributed the killings to a Muslim immigrant. The alleged perpetrator was later identified by a judge as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana, a Christian born in the UK to Rwandan parents.

In a statement on Saturday, the Foreign Ministry urged Maldivian citizens residing in or travelling to the UK, especially those residing in or travelling to Southport or the surrounding region, to exercise caution.

The ministry said that the Maldivian high commission was keeping a close eye on the situation, and urged Maldivian citizens to exercise extreme caution, keep themselves updated on the latest developments, and prioritize their personal safety.

The ministry also urged Maldivian citizens to avoid areas where rioting is taking place, and follow instructions issued by authorities.

Maldivian citizens who require consular services are asked to contact the Maldivian high commission in London at (+44) 0207 224 2135 or [email protected].

UK police have said the knife attack is not being treated as terror-related but have not revealed a motive.

Anger over the killing fueled growing anti-immigration sentiment as far-right social media channels advertised “enough is enough” anti-immigrant rallies.

Further unrest is expected in multiple English towns and cities.