MP Mauroof remanded for five days

Criminal Court has today placed MP Mauroof Zakir in remand in custody for five days. 

Mauroof was arrested yesterday at the protest staged by fishermen calling for MIFCO to purchase their yellowfin tuna catch. 

On Thursday afternoon Police broke up the protest, which began on Wednesday afternoon. The protest was being staged at sea, with fishermen on several fishing vessels participating. Police dispersed the protest, took some vessels into custody, and arrested a number of individuals including Mauroof. 

The Criminal Court extended Mauroof's remand as he is being accused of three separate offences. This includes obstructing sea transport, causing damage to Coast Guard, and obstructing police duties. 

During the remand hearing, Mauroof denied all charges. 

A number of other protesters were also brought to court today for their remand hearing. Details of remand orders against them are not known as of yet. 

Besides serving as a Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP, Mauroof is also a founder and General Secretary of the Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen's Union. When he was taken to court today, members of MDP and fishermen gathered outside the court, calling for all the protesters to be freed. 

MDP released a statement calling for Mauroof's release, in which they stated that while freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are guaranteed in the Constitution, Police acted unlawfully in using force to disperse the protest.