The government in the Maldives has ordered hundreds of luxury resorts to close their spas after a protest led by opposition parties demanding a halt to "anti-Islamic" activities.

Sunni Islam is the official religion in the Maldives and practising any other faith is forbidden.

Last week's protest was called by the opposition Adhaalat (Justice) party, which accuses the government of compromising Islam.

The protesters also want the authorities to ban the sale of alcohol, shut down brothels they say are operating in the guise of massage parlours and demolish monuments that they see as idols.

They also wanted to halt a plan to allow direct flights to Israel.

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

Debates on religious issues have emerged since a group vandalised a monument gifted by Pakistan marking a South Asian summit last month with the image of Buddha. Buddhism was part of the present Islamic republic's history.

An angry protest last month followed a call by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay for the Maldives to end floggings of women being punished for adultery.