Police Raid Fishing Boats as Protest by Migrant Fishermen Continues in Maldives

Police in the Maldives raided fishing boats involved in a protest off the capital, Male, on Thursday, entering its second day. The protest, organized by the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU), a trade union of yellowfin tuna fishermen, began on Wednesday morning. Fishermen are demanding the government fulfill its promises to purchase and market yellowfin tuna, set a floor price for the fish, and improve access to fuel and ice. The protest escalated as the fishermen gathered near the No. 1 Jetty in Male', with the Coast Guard and police monitoring the situation. During the raid, police targeted expatriates working on the boats and took several into custody. The BKMU shared a video showing at least three migrants being detained. Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam acknowledged the fishermen's concerns and stated the government is working on delivering its pledges, including constructing a processing plant for yellowfin tuna by January. The union has vowed to continue the protest until their demands are met.