Police seize vessels, disperse fishermen's protest

Police have taken into custody some of the fishing vessels being used in the fishermen's protest calling for MIFCO to purchase yellowfin tuna, and broken up the protest. 

The protest began yesterday morning at the 'Kanneli Jetty' in Hulhumale'. Later, the vessels sailed to Male', where they moored outside the official jetty and continued their protest. 

24 hours after the protest commenced, Police went on to the fishing vessels participating in the protest. In boarding the vessels, Police cited participation in the protest by expatriates, which they said is against the law. No arrests were made, according to Police. 

Although some of the vessels were seized by Police, it is unclear how many of the 49 participating vessels this includes. 

Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, a founder and General Secretary of the Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen's Union and one of the protest leaders, has stated that Police seized the vessels without presenting a court order. 

When Mauroof protested against this, Police attempted to remove him from the boat by force. However, Police have denied arresting Mauroof, and instead said that he had been on the vessel when it was taken into police custody. Police said that arrangements are being made for Mauroof's transfer to Male'. The seized vessels have been taken to police premises in Dhoonidhoo. 

With Police having taken some vessels into their custody, the protest has now been dispersed. 

The fishermen's demand is for MIFCO to purchase their yellowfin tuna catch, or for the government to engage with fishermen to explore other avenues. They have stated that they will continue the protests until an adequate response is received for their demands. 

Fishermen's Day last year also saw similar protest by the Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen's Union the Hulhumale' lagoon. In a previous protest in June last year, the fishermen's protest was staged in the lagoons of Male'. This protest saw Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam visit the site and listen to the concerns of fishermen.