Two boats, three individuals including MP Mauroof, taken into custody

The Maldives Police Service (MPS) has announced that two boats and three individuals have been taken into custody amid the ongoing protest by the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU), or the skipjack tuna fishermen's union.

The police institution on Thursday revealed that, after observing foreigners participating in the protest and advising them against involvement, they had launched efforts with Immigration to gather information on expatriate workers aboard the vessels.

As a result, officers boarded the boats on Thursday, citing the active participation of foreigners in the protest.

RaajjeMV understands that two boats were taken into custody in connection with the protest.

Three individuals were also detained on suspicion of disobeying police orders and obstructing police duties, including MP for Kendhoo constituency Mauroof Zakir.

However, when questioned, police did not clarify how these orders were disobeyed.

They also offered no explanation as to how fishermen engaged in a peaceful protest at sea had obstructed police duties.

A RaajjeTV journalist and cameraman were on board one of the boats taken into custody, and the station’s live broadcast was interrupted following police instructions.

The detained individuals and the two boats are being transported to Dhoonidhoo.