Social media users have expressed anger after Islamic Minister Dr. Mohamed Shaheem Ali Saeed met with US Ambassador Hugo Yon amid the genocide against the Palestinian people.
The Islamic Ministry said the meeting was a courtesy call from the Ambassador on Thursday. The ministry did not disclose matters discussed during the meeting.
Some social media users described it as a meeting with Israel and accused the US government of supporting terrorists.
"Israel must have reached a deal with Shaheem to stop the banning of passports. These people in power can be bought for a small amount. Shaheem will issue a fatwa against banning," one person wrote.
Others criticized President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu for instructing Shaheem to meet with the US Ambassador. They also said the government was facing pressure from the US to prevent the ban on Israeli passports.
"This is not a coincidence. The US ambassador met with the foreign minister and now the Islamic minister after public outrage over the participation of an official from the US State Department who does not stand against the genocide. For what purpose?" another person wrote.
The United States has been the biggest supporter of Israel's genocide against the Palestinian people since October 7 last year. The US is supporting Israel both financially and militarily.
More than 42,519 people have been killed and 99,637 injured in Gaza alone.
Earlier on Thursday, Shaheem posted on X calling on the international community "for immediate action to stop the war on Palestine and Lebanon."
The Islamic Minister did not mention Israel or condemn the acts of genocide being committed against the Palestinian people.
The US is working to forge closer ties with the Maldives with senior US officials meeting government officials more than 30 times over the past few months.
The US has also increased its aid to the Maldives including the pledge to provide a military aircraft and four maritime patrol vessels. At least USD 12 million has also been provided on two different occasions.
