Zanzibar Tourism Commission has fined Organisateur Francophone Tours and Travel $500 for allowing tourists to eat in public during Ramadhan.
This action was taken after 12 individuals were arrested for public eating during fasting hours in Zanzibar. The region enforces Islamic principles during Ramadhan, with eating in public considered an offense. The arrested individuals are held at Madema police station pending investigation and court proceedings.
“Despite issuing guidelines and directives for tourism businesses to follow, the company allowed guests to eat in public. Therefore, the Commission has taken the following actions: imposed a fine of $500 and immediately suspended the tour guide of the company, Khamis M. Kahogo, from conducting any tourism activities for three months,” the Commission said.
“The Zanzibar Tourism Commission emphasizes the importance of respecting the customs and traditions of the islands of Zanzibar, especially during the Ramadhan period, to promote good relations with the surrounding communities,” the statement further elaborated.
The Commission also suspended the tour guide, Khamis M. Kahogo, for three months.
This fine follows an earlier arrest of 12 individuals who were caught eating in public as Muslims were fasting.
Zanzibar, with a predominantly Muslim population, enforces regulations based on Islamic principles during Ramadhan for both locals and visitors.
The Acting Regional Police Commander, Abubakar Khamis Ally, mentioned that the arrests were made after an investigation prompted by a circulated video showing people eating during daylight hours in Mnazi Mmoja Square, violating the fasting norms of Ramadhan.
Eating in public during daylight hours in Ramadan is considered an offense, leading to the individuals being held at Madema police station pending completion of investigation procedures, after which they will face court proceedings.
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