3 taxi drivers charged over road blockade in protest
The three individuals were arrested following the incident on 11 December. Authorities also towed taxis from the area.
The Prosecutor General's Office has filed charges against three taxi drivers accused of blocking the road leading to the Sinamale Bridge from Nirolhu Magu in Hulhumale during a protest last year.
The protest took place as the government was preparing to launch a taxi service.
The charges were submitted to the Hulhumale Magistrate’s Court on 5 February. The three drivers—Mohamed Shamin, Misbah Shareef, and Nooman Ahmed—are accused of obstruction of justice, an offence under the Penal Code.
According to the prosecution, the accused:
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Participated in blocking the road near the Maldives Water and Sewerage Company (MWSC) in Hulhumale using vehicles.
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Parked taxis across the road, closing one lane.
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Refused to clear the area despite police instructions.
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Obstructed police efforts to manage road traffic.
The offence carries a basic penalty of four months and 24 days of imprisonment.
The three individuals were arrested following the incident on 11 December. Authorities also towed taxis from the area.
