MDP calls for the release of MP Mauroof

MDP has called for the release of Kendhoo constituency MP and MDP member Mauroof Zakir after he was detained during the dispersal of the fishermen's protest calling for MIFCO to begin buying Yellowfin Tuna. 

As yellowfin tuna fishing vessels were being dispersed yesterday outside the canal of the Presidential Jetty during the protest that began on Wednesday, Kendhoo constituency MP, MDP member, one of the founders of the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) and General Secretary of the union Mauroof Zakir was detained, along with two others.

MDP condemned the arrests in the statement they released last night.

MDP stated that as the Constitution grants freedom of speech and the right to assembly, the police had forcefully stopped the peaceful protest of the fishermen against the Constitution. 

"This party calls for the release of all who were apprehended by force by police during the peaceful protest by fishermen," as per MDP's statement.

As per the largest opposition party, MP Mauroof was arrested in violation of his privileges granted by the Parliament. MDP also accuses that people were arrested and their marine vessels brought under police control in order to silence those who criticize the government's "irresponsible policies."

The protest by fishermen outside the canal of the Presidential Jetty was dispersed by police yesterday afternoon. Afterwards, 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.

As police and military cooperated to stop protesting vessels from entering the Male' lagoon and successfully did so, a 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.

"They proceeded to disregard and go against the police's repeated calls, caused difficulties for the marine vessels attempting to travel past Male' and obstructed them, attempted to enter the northern Male' lagoon which is a restricted area and worked to obstruct other marine vessels that were crossing in and out of the lagoon," said the police media official.

The government has stated that the practical work for the establishment of the yellowfin tuna processing facility in Hulhumale' will begin in January 2026 and end within six months. The government also stated that at least one island in each atoll will see a system be established where fishermen can acquire fuel at STO's rate by March next year.

The Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam has stated that under the special instruction of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, and fulfilling a long-standing request from tuna fishermen, the State Trading Organization (STO) has arranged to supply fuel in the Malé area since June last year.