Police Release All Those Arrested During BKMU Protests

The Maldives Police Service has released all individuals arrested during protests organised by the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU), which were held to demand government action on long-standing issues in the fisheries sector.

A police media official told MV+ that three locals, excluding expatriates, were arrested during the demonstrations. One of those detained, Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir—who serves as the union’s secretary general and is one of its founders—was released last Saturday after being taken to hospital due to a medical emergency. Police said the remaining two individuals were released yesterday.

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The protests began last Wednesday, and on Thursday police boarded several fishing vessels and made arrests on allegations of obstructing police duty. BKMU had also called for the release of expatriate workers detained during the operation. Police said those expatriates were handed over to Maldives Immigration.

Following the release of all detainees—one of the union’s key demands—BKMU announced the end of its protest.

After a meeting held on Monday between BKMU representatives and the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, a union representative told MV+ that the government acknowledged the fishermen’s concerns as serious and committed to addressing them. According to BKMU, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam assured that immediate steps would be taken, alongside longer-term policy measures.

Speaking after the meeting, Minister Shiyam said fishermen were fully cooperating with the government, enabling authorities to better identify challenges and work towards solutions. He added that the government remains committed to safeguarding fishermen’s interests and addressing their needs.