MP Mauroof released from custody

Police announced last night that Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) MP for Kendhoo constituency Mauroof Zakir has been released from custody.

Mauroof was arrested on Thursday afternoon during the police crackdown on the fishermen's protest demanding MIFCO purchase their yellowfin tuna catch. 

The protest was conducted at sea, with vessels placed outside the channel in front of the official jetty in Male'. 

Besides serving as an MP, Mauroof is also a founder and General Secretary of the Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen's Union. 

At Mauroof's remand hearing on Friday, the Criminal Court placed him in remand in custody for five days, along with issuing the same order against two other protesters. 

In a statement released around midnight last night, Police mainly addressed rumours surrounding Mauroof being admitted at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital yesterday while he was still in custody. 

Police said that following Mauroof's arrest at approximately 12:24pm on Thursday, he had been taken to hospital to consult a doctor on his request. They stated that he had been taken to IGMH on advice from the police doctor at the custodial suite, under the set guidelines and policies.

Police stated that Mauroof's request to consult a doctor had not been due to any incidents that occurred while in custody, adding that he has since been released from custody. 

Police stated that they follow strict legal and human rights guidelines to safeguard detainees' rights. Under this, special attention is given to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of detainees, they said. 

Spreading unverified claims on media platforms about those in police custody heightens public anxiety and erodes confidence in institutions tasked with protecting citizens, the statement reads.