Parliament rejects emergency motion over alleged excessive use of force to dismantle fishermen’s rights protest

Riot police arrest a female protestor during PPM-PNC coalition's demonstration 'Leynaaru', in front of the fish market in Male' City on October 10, 2022. (Sun Photo)

An emergency motion submitted to the Parliament alleging the police used excessive force to dismantle a protest held by the opposition PPM-PNC coalition on Monday advocating for the rights of fishermen has been rejected.

The motion was presented during the parliamentary sitting Tuesday morning by Faresmaathoda MP Hussain Mohamed Latheef. The motion was rejected with a majority vote of 23 MPs. Eight MPs voted in favor of the motion, while one abstained.

Presenting his motion, Latheef said he condemned the decision by the police to arrest protestors. He alleged the police violated the dignity of female protestors. He called on the government to conduct a swift investigation into the case.

Faresmaathodaa MP Hussain Mohamed Latheef. (File Photo/People's Majlis)

Latheef said the opposition had staged the protest because of the government’s failure to fulfil its pledges to the fishermen.

He said the protest was dismantled using excessive force, and that the people were being denied their rights.

“The right to freedom of assembly and expression is guaranteed under the Constitution. These rights are being curtailed, denying the people their rights,” he said.

Latheef said the police had been unnecessarily aggressive in dismantling the protest, and had acted in a manner that could cause injury to protestors.

He said the actions of the police violated the laws and the principles of democracy.

“It is also hindering the work of the opposition,” he said.

PPM-PNC coalition's leaders pictured during the 'Leynaaru' protest in front of the fish market in Male' City on October 10, 2022. (Photo/PPM)

Latheef called on the government to release the protestors and investigate the case as a serious issue.

10 protestors were taken into custody during the protest staged by the opposition coalition outside the fish market in Male’ City on Monday evening, titled ‘Leynaaru’ – which translates to bloodline.

Latheef himself had been in attendance during the protest, along with PNC leader Abdul Raheem Abdulla, and PPM deputy leaders – Guraidhoo MP Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon and Naifaru MP Ahmed Shiyam, and PNC deputy leader, Maavah MP Mohamed Saeed.