All eight fishermen and union members detained from a massive protest organized by the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) off the coast of Male’ last week have been released from custody, confirms the trade union.
The protest at sea, organized by the BKMU - a trade union of yellowfin tuna fishermen – kicked off on Fishermen’s Day - December 10 – as some 50 fishing boats set sail from the Hulhumale’ jetty to the No. 1 Jetty in Male’ City, accusing the government of failing on its promise to purchase and market yellowfin tuna, and secure a steady revenue stream for fishermen.
The police stormed the boats on December 11, and took eight protestors into custody; four Maldivians and four expatriates. The four expatriates were handed over to Immigration, while the other four- including an incumbent parliamentarian – accused of obstruction - were taken to the Criminal Court on December 12, which remanded them in custody of the police for five days.
Police raid fishing boats amid the ongoing fishermen's protest on December 11, 2025.
They were identified by BKMU as:
Mauroof Zakir - the secretary-general of BKMU, and parliamentary representative for Kendhoo constituency
Mohamed Musthafa - boat captain and BKMU Executive Committee member
Abdul Latheef Ahmed - boat captain and BKMU Executive Committee member
Mohamed Sodig, vice president of Tourism Employees Association of Maldives (TEAM)
Basir Miah, Bangladeshi worker
Reaz Uddin, Bangladeshi worker
Golam Sarowar, Bangladeshi worker
Mohammad Mitu, Bangladeshi worker
Of the eight, Mauroof, a parliamentatian from the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), was released earlier, a day after his arrest, after he required emergency surgery for an injury that his fellow parliamentarian Hussain Ziyad (Fittey) told Sun was sustained during his arrest. However, this claim is disputed by the police, who said that Mauroof did not ask to see a doctor due to anything that happened while in their custody.
Screen grab from a video recording of Maroof Zakir being detained by the police amid the ongoing fishermen's protest on December 11, 2025. (Video/RaajjeTV)
In a post on X on Wednesday morning, the BKMU confirmed that all eight detainees are now out of custody.
The union hailed this as “a direct result of the collective strength, courage, and determination of BKMU members, who stood firm in their fight for justice and the fundamental right to freedom of association and collective action.”
BKMU said they refuse to be silenced in face of intimidation and repression.
“Our unity and unwavering commitment showed that organized workers, acting together, have the power to defend their dignity and freedoms,” reads the post.
“This victory reinforces that through collective action and international solidarity, we can win. BKMU will continue to fight for rights and livelihoods of fishermen and build hope for all workers in the Maldives.”
BKMU welcomes the release of all union leaders and members, including migrant workers, who were arrested during the recent protest: BKMU Executive Committee members and boat captains Mohamed Musthafa and Abdul Latheef Ahmed; TEAM Vice President Mohamed Sodig; and BKMU Members,…
— Bodu Kanneli Masveringe union- BKMU (@FishermensUnion) December 17, 2025
On Monday, 20 members of the BKMU had a long five-hour meeting with Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam to raise their concerns.
Speaking to reporters afterwards, Mohamed Imran, the vice president of BKMU and a celebrated former goalkeeper, described the meeting as successful.