Motion submitted to Majlis seeking review of MP Mauroof’s arrest

A motion has been submitted to the Privileges and Ethics Committee of the People’s Majlis to investigate the police detention of MP for Kendhoo constituency Mauroof Zakir during the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU), the skipjack tuna fishermen’s protest.

In a letter to Speaker of the People’s Majlis, Abdul Raheem Abdulla, MP for Maavah constituency Ahmed Shakir requested clarification from police on whether Mauroof Zakir was formally arrested or merely detained after police notified the Majlis of his custody on Thursday.

Shakir noted that Mauroof had been participating in a peaceful protest and argued that his detention was unlawful. He further stated that the police used excessive force beyond what was legally necessary, describing the incident as a blatant encroachment on the dignity of Members of Parliament.

The request also sought that the Privileges and Ethics Committee schedule a meeting to review the matter.

Following Shakir’s letter, the Secretary General of the People’s Majlis sent correspondence to Abdul Latheef Mohamed, Chair of the Privileges and Ethics Committee and MP for Dhidhdhoo constituency.

The letter stated that information regarding Mauroof Zakir’s detention during the fishermen’s protest had been shared by the police service, and that the speaker instructed the matter to be forwarded to the committee in line with Article 259 of the Majlis Rules of Procedure.

It is also noted that while three individuals and two boats were taken into police custody on suspicion of disobeying police orders and obstructing police duties, police did not clarify how these orders were disobeyed.

Further, when asked how fishermen engaged in a peaceful protest at sea had obstructed police duties, the police provided no explanation.