Nasheed calls for the release of arrested fishermen

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has today called for the release of everyone arrested in connection with the yellowfin tuna fishermen's protest, which demanded that the state-owned fisheries company MIFCO purchase their catch.

The police broke up the protest, which was being carried out by fishermen in their boats near the channel outside the official jetty in Malé, on Thursday afternoon, resulting in several individuals being detained.

Criminal Court subsequently ordered the detention of three individuals, including Kendhoo MP and co-founder of the Fishermen's Union, Mauroof Zakir, for five days for investigation purposes. However, Mauroof was released from custody yesterday.

In a post on X, Nasheed stated that Mauroof and the fishermen were arrested during a peaceful protest. Nasheed emphasized that efforts to suppress the rights to assembly and freedom of expression must cease.

The Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen's Association, which organized the protest, claimed that the police boarded some boats and dispersed the demonstration while the fishermen were being peaceful, asserting it was a peaceful protest.

Police stated that the protesters had obstructed vessels traveling near Malé and failed to comply with police warnings. The police also reported that the fishermen attempted to enter an area restricted by security forces in their boats while obstructing maritime traffic.