One of the taxi drivers arrested released; two gets five-day remand

One of the three individuals arrested from the taxi drivers’ protest in Hulhumale’ on Wednesday has been released while the remaining two have been remanded in custody for five days.

In a message to the media, Maldives Police Service said the three individuals arrested from last night's protest were presented before the court for remand hearings on Thursday, during which one was released.

As per the Police, the remaining two individuals were remanded in custody for five days.

Taxi drivers began their protest at 6:30pm on Wednesday evening citing the government’s failure to address the concerns they have raised despite one year into office.

Some of their demands included:

• Sacking plans by the government to incept a taxi fleet
• Shifting back to the previous rates for van trips
• Easing traffic flow between Male’ and the airport
• An easier way to pick up customers
• Open registration for taxi drivers’ registry again
• Parking arrangements from Male’

The protest had been peaceful until the drivers blocked off the Hulhumale’ highway road after their demands had gone unanswered for hours.

This led to a huge traffic block causing the area to become extremely congested.

Subsequently,  police officers who were at the scene attempted to break up the protest and reopen the road. As part of these efforts, Police had towed some of the taxis which were used in the protest.