Police make additional arrest in taxi drivers’ protest

The police have made an additional arrest in connection to the protest staged by taxi drivers earlier this week.

Misbah Shareef, 31, Ma. Naheedhee Manzil, K. Male’, was arrested under a court warrant on Friday.

The protest took place on Wednesday night in Hulhumale’.

According to the police, Misbah was arrested on suspicion of disrupting public transport, blocking roads, and obstructing law enforcement.

With the latest arrest, the police have now detained four people in connection to the protest. The three previous arrestees are:

• Mohamed Shamin, 39, Ma. Virah, K. Male’
• Ahmed Shabeen, 33, Sunray, L. Dhanbidhoo
• Numan Ahmed, 36, Holiday Village, HDh. Kumundhoo

Shamin and Shabeen were remanded in custody of the police for five days, while Numan was granted conditional release.

Both Shamin and Shabeen have appealed their detention with the High Court.

The taxi drivers who took part in the protest accused the administration of failing to properly address their concern in the one year since it took office.

The protest escalated when the drivers accusing the authorities of failing to meet their demands, and blocked the road leading to the Hulhumale’ Highway.

The police dispersed the protest and towed 22 vehicles used by the drivers.