MDP has condemned the arrest of MP Mauroof during a peaceful fishermen's protest, citing violations of constitutional rights. Fishermen are protesting unmet government promises including 48-hour payment guarantees and dollar payments for their catch. MDP criticized the Muizzu administration for failing to deliver on campaign pledges while fishermen face severe hardships including payment delays and operational difficulties
MDP Parliamentary Group holds press conference
The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) Parliamentary Group has strongly condemned the brutal arrest of MP for Kendhoo constituency Mauroof Zakir, during a peaceful fishermen’s protest.
Article 31 of the Constitution guarantees the right to strike and cease work for all employees and workers to stage protests.
Despite this, the government, in an apparent attempt to end the protest, unlawfully arrested some participants, with the Maldives Police Service (MPS) reportedly using disproportionate force while the demonstrators were exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights.
In light of these circumstances, MDP’s PG condemned the unlawful arrest of MP Mauroof and called for his immediate release.
The group also urged President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s government to refrain from obstructing the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens and to fulfill the promises made to fishermen.
In a statement signed by its members, MDP’s PG sharply criticized the government’s treatment of the fishing community.
During the presidential election campaign, Muizzu pledged that fishermen would receive payment for their catch within 48 hours and that payments could be made in U.S. Dollars.
The parliamentary group noted that the government has largely failed to deliver on these commitments.
The statement further highlighted that fishermen and their families voted for Muizzu expecting his promise to elevate the Maldivian fishing industry. Instead, fishermen are reportedly enduring severe hardships, with many describing these as the most difficult times they have ever experienced.
The letter detailed the challenges that prompted the peaceful protest. These include long waits to weigh skipjack tuna, inability to weigh catch at all, extreme delays in receiving payments and other operational difficulties faced by fishermen.
MDP PG has affirmed that it will remain steadfast in fulfilling its constitutional duty to monitor and hold the government accountable and to take necessary action to defend the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people.
