Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir, a lawmaker from main opposition MDP, who was arrested from the fishermen’s protest on Thursday, has been remanded in custody for five days by the Criminal Court.
Speaking with Sun on Friday, the Police said all individuals arrested from the protest have been remanded in custody for five days.
The protest, organized by the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) - a trade union of yellowfin tuna fishermen – began at 09:00 am Wednesday from the Hulhumale’ jetty, before heading to Male’ City.
They have accused the government of failing on its promise to purchase and market yellowfin tuna, and secure a steady revenue stream for fishermen.
The police began raiding the fishing boats just before noon on Thursday. The police initially said the raids targeted expatriates involved in the protest.
Police raid fishing boats amid the ongoing fishermen's protest on December 11, 2025.
Three people were arrested during the protest, including Mauroof.
The police said the three were taken into custody “on suspicion of failing to obey police orders and obstructing the police from performing their duty.”
Notably, Mauroof serves as the secretary-general of BKMU.
Mauroof was remanded in custody amidst protest by BKMU near the Criminal Court area, who were joined by MDP members.
MDP, in a statement signed by 11 lawmakers from the party, called for the release of Mauroof, citing Police used excessive and unnecessary force to obstruct the demonstrations against the government’s failure to fulfill promises made to fishermen.  
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)
The BKMU has said that they are protesting over the failure to deliver three pledges written in President Muizzu’s manifesto. They are:
Having Maldives Industrial Fisheries Company (MIFCO) begin purchase of yellowfin tuna.
Setting the floor price for yellowfin tuna to MVR 80 – MVR 100 per kilo.
Supplying fuel to fishermen at the base rate and improving access to ice
The union said that yellowfin tuna fishermen are deeply disillusioned over the failure to deliver these pledges.
They have vowed to continue the protest until the government meets their demands.
In a post on X on Wednesday, Fisheries Minister Ahmed Shiyam acknowledged the concerns of yellowfin tuna fishermen.
He said that their concern stems from delays in payments by companies that purchase yellowfin tuna, and the downward spiral in the market price of tuna during good fishing spells.
Shiyam said that the fishermen have asked the government to intervene in this, expand its role in the yellowfin tuna trade, and deliver the government’s pledges as soon as possible.
He said that the government was working on delivering its pledges, and will commence construction of a yellowfin tuna processing plant in Hulhumale’ in January.