Ministry threatens fishing licence loss over protest

People will lose their fishing licenses if they help others to take part in “unlawful gatherings,” the government said Wednesday.

Islanders have been asked to come to the capital on Friday as part of a series of protests against a state of emergency and President Abdulla Yameen’s refusal to obey a Supreme Court ruling.

The right to freedom of assembly has been suspended under the state of emergency.

The Fisheries Ministry warned it would take strict action against vessels participating in bringing protesters for “unlawful gatherings.”

“We have received information that fishing vessels have participated, are participating, and will participate, in carrying people to participate in unlawful gatherings and join the current unrest in the Maldives.

“We inform crew and fishermen that it is forbidden to use fishing vessels to facilitate such unlawful activity. And if a fishing vessel is used for such an activity, we will cancel the license for the vessels and take strict action against it.”

It said the ministry retained the right to revoke a license if someone carried out acts against national security and threatened public harmony.

“Some fishermen have informed us that opposition is working to make fishermen political to bring people to Male’ on fishing vessels. Fishermen are advised not to participate in this,” Fisheries Minister Mohamed Shainee tweeted.

The ruling PPM party earlier told people to not participate in the protest, calling it “illegal,” reported Mihaaru.