Police allege protesting fishermen obstructed vessel traffic near Malé

Maldives Police Service stated tonight that the protesting tuna fishermen obstructed other vessels traveling near Malé during their demonstration.

The protest, led by the Tuna Fishermen's Union, commenced yesterday morning at the Hulhumalé Tuna Jetty, coinciding with Fishermen's Day. The participating fishermen sailed their vessels to Malé yesterday afternoon. When they attempted to bring the boats into the northern lagoon of Malé, near the official jetty, the police and military collaborated to stop them.

Following the halt, the fishermen anchored their boats close together just outside the Malé lagoon. The protest was eventually stopped this afternoon (Thursday) when police boarded the vessels and arrested several individuals.

A Police Media Official issued a statement to the media tonight, asserting that the fishermen had been repeatedly advised to conduct their protest in a manner that would not impede vessels traveling near Malé, which is one of the busiest maritime areas. However, the official stated that the fishermen failed to comply and attempted to obstruct traffic and breach the restricted area imposed by security forces.

The Police Media Official stated: "...Despite repeated warnings from the police, they failed to comply, resisted instructions, caused difficulties for other vessels traveling near Malé, attempted to enter the northern Malé lagoon, which was closed off by security forces, and attempted to obstruct vessels entering and exiting the lagoon for various purposes."

The official added that the area near Malé is one of the busiest maritime zones, and the fishermen’s actions over yesterday and today caused difficulties for passing vessels, necessitating the repeated advice. Furthermore, the official confirmed that police also repeatedly advised the fishermen not to involve foreign nationals in the protest.

The police action to board the vessels and take three boats into custody occurred after the protest had been ongoing for over 24 hours without ceasing.