By Associated Press, Saturday, December 24, 12:11 AM MALE, Maldives — Thousands in the Maldives protested Friday, calling on the government to halt what they called “anti-Islamic” activities, including a plan to allow direct flights to Israel. More moderate supporters of the president rallied as well as debate swells over the future of the state’s religion. The Indian Ocean archipelago of 300,000 Muslims prohibits practicing any other faith.