All arrested at fishermen's protest released

The remaining two arrestees from the recent fishermen's protest demanding MIFCO purchase their yellowfin tuna catch has now been released, Police announced today. 

Police dispersed the protest which took place at sea outside the official jetty in Male' on Thursday afternoon and arrested some people. The Criminal Court placed three of the detained in remand in custody for five days. 

This includes one of the leading figures at the protest, Kendhoo constituency MP Mauroof Zakir. In addition to serving as an MP, Mauroof is also a founder and General Secretary at the Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen's Union. 

Although Mauroof was remanded for five days, he was released earlier on Sunday in consideration of his health condition. 

Police said today that the remaining two fishermen were released yesterday as the investigation has now been concluded. 

Four expatriates on the fishing vessels involved in the protest had also been taken into police custody. Police handed over these individuals to Maldives Immigration. 

The Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen's Union claims that Police had come aboard some of the fishing vessels and dispersed the protest while protesters were demonstrating peacefully. 

Police, however, stated that protesters were obstructing passing sea traffic, and had failed to abide by police advice and orders. They further alleged that the vessels used in the protest had attempted to enter a restricted area determined by security forces. 

The fishermen later met with Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam and discussed avenues of resolving issues. The union has stated that the meeting was productive.