Union calls for the release of those arrested in protest

The Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) has called for the release of those who were arrested during the fishermen's protest at sea held to mark Fishermen's Day.

Police boarded the yellowfin tuna fishing vessels piloted by fishermen taking part in the protest that began on Wednesday afternoon and went on to disperse and detain protesters.

Co-founder of the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) and Kendhoo constituency MP Mauroof Zakir, sailor of a vessel that took part in the protest Abdul Latheef and expatriates registered to vessels were detained.

As per the statement released by the union, it calls for the release of those who were arrested, along with it stating that the protest will continue without pause.

"We state that until we are able to meet with the Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources, union members and sailors will continue to stand tall, with the protest calling for fishermen's rights set to continue," as was written in the statement.

After the protest was dispersed, a police official stated last night that protesters on marine vessels had blocked the way for vessels that sailed close past Male' with them having not responded to police advice. The police official stated that they had repeatedly advised protesters to not cause difficulty to other marine vessels that were traveling close past Male'. However, the official said that the fishermen did not heed their advice, obstructed marine vessels and attempted to enter a restricted area.

As per the official, police advised protesters not to cause difficulties to vessels sailing past Male' as the area has the most traffic close to Male' and as maritime vessels experienced difficulties.