The BKMU protest began on 10 December, on the occasion of Fishermen’s Day, from Hulhumale Kanneli jetty. A flotilla of over 50 vessels then sailed to the outskirts of Male’, stretching from the Presidential Jetty to Masveringe Park. Photo: MV+
The Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) protests began on 10 December, on the occasion of Fishermen’s Day. The BKMU’s core demands include long-delayed government action, including higher tuna prices, improved access to ice, and fuel at base rates, saying repeated appeals have gone unanswered.
Day two of the BKMU protest. The Coast Guard blocking fishing vessels from entering the presidential jetty. | Photo: MV+Fishing vessels partaking in the BKMU protests near Male’ last Thursday. | Photo: MV+
During the second day of the protests Maldives Police, along with the coast guard, boarded several vessels and arrested several a number of expatriates, and Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, who is also the Secretary General of the union.
The BKMU protests continued for two days before the Maldives police service went onto vessels to arrest protestors. They arrested several expatriates and Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, who holds the General Secretary position of the union. | Photo: MV+Photo: MV+Fishing vessels docked at the Hulhumale Kanneli Jetty still display the banners used in the protest. | Photo: MV+
The union has continued calling for the release of expatriate workers arrested during what fishermen describe as a peaceful protest, saying their detention has heightened frustration.
Talking to MV+, some fishermen called for the immediate release of the expatriates arrested during the protest, as well as on President Muizzu to follow through with his pledges. | Photo: MV+Fishermen loading ice into their vessel docked at the Hulhumale Kanneli Jetty. Establishment of adequate ice-plant facilities is one of the core demands of the fishermen partaking in the BKMU protests. | Photo: MV+ Photo: MV+
Neither the Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources nor President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has publicly commented on the protest or the fishermen’s demands.
