ILAW urges gov’t to release individuals arrested for exercising right to freedom of expression
ILAW urged the government to protect the rights of undocumented workers, ensure they have access to legal assistance, and cease criminalizing peaceful protests.
Fishermen's protest in front of the Criminal Court - 12 December 2025
The International Lawyers Assisting Workers Network (ILAW) has called on the government to release workers arrested for peacefully exercising their fundamental right to freedom of expression.
ILAW highlighted that peaceful expression is a core right that should be protected.
The international organization advocating for workers' rights sent a letter to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, urging the Maldivian government to uphold workers' rights and ensure that they are not penalized for asserting their freedoms.
The letter specifically calls for the immediate release of members of the Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen's Union, as well as other workers arrested for peacefully protesting.
The protest, held on December 10 by yellowfin tuna fishermen, was described by ILAW as an attempt to secure the fishermen's rights.
The demonstration was a peaceful plea for accountability from the government for its unfulfilled promises to the fishing community.
ILAW reported that 28 individuals, including members of the Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen's Union and expatriate workers, were arrested by the police during the protest.
The organization condemned these arrests, stating that they violated workers' rights and involved the use of excessive force by the authorities.
The letter also highlighted the case of MP for Kendhoo constituency Mauroof Zakir, who was arrested during the protest and reportedly subjected to violent treatment, which required hospitalization.
ILAW further expressed concern for the 20 undocumented expatriate workers arrested during the protest. The organization criticized the lack of transparency regarding the condition and legal status of those detained in immigration detention centers, particularly in relation to their lack of proper documentation.
In its letter, ILAW called on the government to immediately release all individuals detained for exercising their fundamental rights. The organization also demanded that the government disclose the locations of detention and the legal status of those arrested.
In addition to this, ILAW urged the government to protect the rights of undocumented workers, ensure they have access to legal assistance, and cease criminalizing peaceful protests.
