MDP takes Mauroof’s unlawful arrest to IPU
MDP has filed complaints with international parliamentary bodies after MP Mauroof Zakir was arrested during a skipjack tuna fishermen's protest. Police intervened in the demonstration of 49 fishing vessels, detaining several people including expatriates and vessel skippers. Fishermen are demanding the government fulfill President Muizzu's promises to purchase tuna at fair prices and provide affordable fuel and ice
Mauroof Zakir, MP for Kendhoo Constituency, was arrested during the fishermen's protest on 11 December 2025
The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party’s (MDP) Parliamentary Group has filed a complaint with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) over the arrest of MP for Kendhoo constituency Mauroof “Matey” Zakir, maintaining that his detention during a protest by skipjack tuna fishermen was “unlawful”.
The case has also been submitted to the Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA).
In its complaint to IPU, MDP called on the organization to take all necessary measures to uphold the integrity of the People’s Majlis, protect the rights of its members, and safeguard the rule of law in the Maldives, consistent with the IPU’s long-standing mandate to defend the human rights of parliamentarians and uphold democratic principles.
MDP’s Parliamentary Group also urged CPA to investigate Mauroof’s arrest in line with the association’s principles aimed at preventing political pressure on the work of People's Majlis members.
The group stated that it condemns the unlawful arrest of Mauroof and several others, calling for an immediate end to actions that undermine the fundamental rights and freedoms of citizens and demanding the immediate release of all detainees.
The Maldives Police Service (MPS) began boarding the fishing vessels taking part in the protest, justifying their intervention by citing the presence of expatriates among the participants. Four expatriates legally present on these vessels were taken into custody. Three other vessels involved in the protest were brought under police control, and the skippers of two of those vessels were also detained.
The protest, organized by the skipjack tuna fishermen's union, began on Wednesday morning at Hulhumalé Kanneli Jetty with the participation of 49 skipjack tuna fishing vessels.
Fishermen presented three demands to the government: that it begin purchasing skipjack tuna as pledged by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, that the price of skipjack tuna be maintained between MVR 80 and MVR 100, and that fuel and ice be made available at a reasonable base rate.
Participants emphasized that two years into Muizzu’s administration, there is no sign that any of the promises made to skipjack tuna fishermen are being fulfilled.
The continued failure to resolve their concerns suggests a pattern of promises made without genuine commitment.
