Male' Councilors Condemn Government's Blockade of Fishermen Protest

Male' City Council members Mohamed Saif Fathih and Mariyam Nazima Mohamed Faiz, representing the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), have strongly condemned the government's obstruction of a protest by yellowfin tuna fishermen. The protest, organized by the Bodu Kanneli Masverinnge Union (BKMU), took place on Fishermen’s Day and saw fishing vessels gather near the Presidential Jetty. However, the demonstration was temporarily blocked by a coast guard ship and two police speedboats, preventing some private vessels from exiting the canal. The councilors emphasized that Male' is the political and economic hub of the Maldives and a legitimate venue for citizens to exercise their constitutional rights to assembly and expression. They criticized the government’s response as shameful, particularly on a day meant to honor fishermen. The fishermen are demanding the fulfillment of three key government pledges: MIFCO to begin buying large fish, setting a minimum price of MVR 80 to 100 per kilo for yellowfin tuna, and supplying fuel at base rate while improving access to ice. The Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam acknowledged the delay in payments as a major concern and mentioned ongoing efforts to expand the sector, including the construction of a fish processing facility in Hulhumale'.