Court orders 5-day remand for MP Zakir over fishermen’s protest

The Criminal Court on Friday remanded Kendhoo Constituency MP Mauroof Zakir in custody for five days following his arrest during protests by yellowfin tuna fishermen earlier this week.

The protest, which entered its second day on Thursday, involved fishing vessels anchored outside Malé. Mauroof, who was among those leading the demonstration, was produced before the court on Friday. Police requested a 15-day remand, but the court ordered that he be held for five days.

Police have charged Mauroof with obstructing sea traffic, damaging a Coast Guard vessel, and obstructing police duty.

During the remand hearing, Mauroof’s legal team raised concerns over the length of time he was held before being brought before the court. His lawyer, Mohamed Nishan Ibrahim, said Mauroof was detained at Dhoonidhoo for an extended period without being presented for remand.

According to the defence, police stated that Mauroof was not in custody until 6:00 pm on Thursday. However, the defence said the recorded time of arrest was 12:24 pm the same day, meaning he was held for nearly 24 hours before being produced in court. Under the law, a person arrested on suspicion of committing an offence must be brought before a court within 24 hours.

The defence also told the court that Mauroof took part in the protest in his capacity as Secretary General of the Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen’s Union. It was further argued that the damage to a Coast Guard vessel occurred during police intervention, alleging that a police vehicle collided with the Coast Guard vessel.

Meanwhile, remand hearings for five other individuals arrested in connection with the protest are pending before the court.