The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) says Kendhoo constituency MP Mahroof Zakir, who was arrested during the yellowfin tuna fishermen’s protest, is undergoing a minor operation at IGMH. Mahroof and other fishermen arrested during last Thursday’s protest have been remanded for five days.

MDP Parliamentary Group Deputy Leader Hussein Ziyad said the operation was necessary because bleeding wouldn’t stop from an injury Mahroof sustained. Social media continues to circulate footage showing Mahroof falling down stairs when he was being taken into custody. Mahroof was taken to IGMH this morning.

Following the arrest and detention of Mahroof and the fishermen, MDP launched an emergency protest last night calling for their release. Ziyad said the protest will continue until everyone arrested is released. The Yellowfin Tuna Fishermen’s Union began protesting on Wednesday morning, claiming the government failed to fulfill its promise to purchase and market their tuna catch.