Maldivian police Saturday (29 August) arrested two men on accusations of ‘homosexuality activity.’

The men, aged 56 and 27, were arrested at their home on the island of Dhaandhoo after a tip off, according to the Maldives Police Service.

Gay sex is a crime in the Islamic island nation and punishable by death under Sharia law. Other penalties include whippings, house arrest, deportation and up to six years in jail. Vigilante attacks and executions also occur.

‘This is a worrying move by local police as up until now private behavior was not being tackled,’ LGBTI rights group Rainbow Warriors noted in a blog post.

‘Also concerning for the tourist community on holiday in the country who could be subject to similar threats by local police.’

The last arrests for ‘homosexuality activity’ were reported in 2013 when two men were caught by police having sex on a beach in Vilimale.