All detainees from fishermen’s protest released
The protest took place over two consecutive days to mark Fishermen’s Day on 10 December, during which fishermen gathered to raise concerns.
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Police said on Wednesday that all individuals arrested and remanded in custody in connection with the fishermen’s protest in the Malé area have been released.
The protest took place over two consecutive days to mark Fishermen’s Day on 10 December, during which fishermen gathered to raise concerns related to the fisheries sector.
Police intervened on Thursday by boarding fishing vessels to disperse the protest and arrested three individuals. The detainees were subsequently remanded in custody for five days on Friday.
A police spokesperson told Atoll Times that all detainees were released on Tuesday.
“The last two detainees were released yesterday after completing the necessary investigation formalities,” the spokesperson said.
Among those arrested was the Secretary General of the Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen Union and Kendhoo Member of Parliament Mauroof Zakir. He was released from custody on Saturday after being admitted to hospital due to a health condition.
During the protest, fishermen raised three main demands. These included a call for the government-owned fish company, MIFCO, to begin purchasing large fish, the setting of a minimum price of MVR 80 and MVR 100 for fish, and the provision of fuel at base rates along with access to ice.
Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam met representatives of the fishermen on Monday and said the government would address their concerns within two weeks.
