The Government of the Maldives has strongly condemned the violent acts perpetrated by a group of individuals targeting the participants, including members of the diplomatic community who were attending the celebrations held to mark the 8th United Nations International Day of Yoga.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government said such malicious acts of violence aimed at disrupting public safety and undermining the security of individuals and the diplomatic corps will not be tolerated. The statement noted that authorities have launched a special investigation into the incident and the government will ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice.
International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21 every year around the world. The day has been celebrated in the Maldives, since 2015. The United Nations declared the day as International Day of Yoga by consensus on December 11, 2014, through a resolution that was co-sponsored by a record of 177 countries, including the Maldives.