Police Destroy Sculptures Ahead of Maldives Election (File)

Police and workmen used pickaxes and drills to remove “un-Islamic” sculptures from artist Jason deCaires Taylor’s installation at a luxury resort in the Maldives on Friday, September 21.The crackdown came ahead of the September 23 election, which will see President Abdulla Yameen, who has faced international criticism for jailing opposition politicians and activists, seek a second term in office.According to opposition newspaper the Maldives Independent, the Tourism Ministry said the Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi resort did not have permission for the sculptures and they violated Shariah law.Fairmont Hotels’ parent company Accor had announced the opening of the artwork in July.Jason deCaires Taylor gave permission for the use of this file footage of the sculptures. Credit: Jason deCaires Taylor via Storyful