MDP MPs condemn police force and demand release of Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir amid fishermen’s protest

Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MPs have on Thursday, called for the release of Kendhoo constituency MP and Bodu Kanneli Masverinnge Union (BKMU) Secretary General Mauroof Zakir, who was arrested during the ongoing fishermen’s protest.

They condemned what they described as excessive and unnecessary force by the Maldives Police Service in efforts to obstruct the demonstrations against the government’s failure to fulfill promises made to fishermen.  

In a statement signed by 11 MDP parliamentarians, they said fishermen and their families had voted for President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on his pledge to elevate Maldives’ fisheries, but are now facing harassment and unprecedented hardship.  

The statement noted that the peaceful protest was launched by yellowfin tuna fishermen to demand their rights, citing long queues to sell fish, delays in receiving payments, and mounting challenges in sustaining the industry.  

It highlighted Article 31 of the Constitution, which guarantees employees and workers the right to strike, and accused the government of violating this right by attempting to end the protest and arresting participants through excessive force.  

The MPs condemned the arrest of Mauroof Zakir during the protest and demanded his immediate release. They also urged the government not to interfere with fundamental rights and freedoms, and to honor its commitments to fishermen.  

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“The MDP Parliamentary Group will continue to fulfill its constitutional duty to hold the Parliament accountable and to defend the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people,” the statement said.  

BKMU said preparations for the protest had been ongoing for six months and vowed to continue until fishermen’s concerns are addressed. The government, meanwhile, claimed expatriates were among the protesters, and police later warned foreign crew members of possible arrest.  

Videos circulating on social media Thursday showed police boarding a boat and arresting three individuals, who were then taken to a police speedboat. Police confirmed that foreigners were participating in the protest and said they were working with immigration to gather information on foreign crew.  

Police said two boats have since been taken into custody, and three people were arrested on charges of disobedience to police orders and obstructing police duty. Mauroof Zakir was among those detained.