MDP MPs Condemn Police Force, Demand Release of MP Mauroof Zakir Amid Fishermen’s Protest

Members of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) have strongly condemned the use of excessive force by the Maldives Police Service during a fishermen’s protest and called for the immediate release of Kendhoo constituency MP Mauroof Zakir. Zakir, who serves as the Secretary General of the Bodu Kanneli Masverinnge Union (BKMU), was arrested during the protest, which was organized to demand the government fulfill its promises to fishermen. In a statement signed by 11 MDP parliamentarians, the MPs accused the government of violating Article 31 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to strike, and criticized its failure to address the challenges faced by fishermen, including delays in payments and long queues to sell fish. The MPs urged the government to honor its commitments and refrain from interfering with fundamental rights. The protest, which has been ongoing for six months, has drawn attention to the struggles of yellowfin tuna fishermen, with BKMU vowing to continue demonstrations until their concerns are addressed. Police have arrested several individuals, including expatriates, and have seized two boats. The MDP has pledged to continue its constitutional duty to defend the rights and freedoms of the people.