Nasheed Condemns Arrests At Fishermen’s Protest, Calls For Release

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has urged the government to release all individuals arrested during the Fishermen’s Day protest, including Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, who also serves as secretary general of the Bodu Kanneli Masverinnge Union (BKMU).

The protest was launched by BKMU last Wednesday, with fishermen accusing the government of failing to fulfil key commitments made to the sector. On Thursday, police boarded fishing vessels and arrested several participants in an effort to halt the demonstration. Mauroof was among those detained and was released from custody early on Saturday, while BKMU has continued to call for the release of other fishermen who remain in detention.

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Nasheed criticised the arrests and called on the authorities to respect the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression. Police arrested eight individuals during the protests held last Tuesday and Wednesday, with four remanded in custody for five days. Mauroof was released earlier than the others and was hospitalised at the time of his release, where he underwent surgery for a bleeding injury that had not subsided, according to sources.

On Saturday, the Maldivian Democratic Party filed a complaint with the International Labour Organization regarding the arrests. BKMU has also called for the resignation of Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam and has stated that the protest will continue.