Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairman Fayyaz Ismail has voiced concern over the arrest of taxi drivers and the towing of their vehicles during a protest against the government's new taxi line initiative.
Speaking on the matter, Fayyaz emphasized the constitutional right to protest. "Striking as a form of protest is a fundamental right. We call for the immediate release of all taxi drivers arrested during the strike and the return of the towed vehicles to their rightful owners," he said.
The protest, which took place last night, resulted in the arrest of three taxi drivers who had blocked the Hulhumale'-Malé highway. While one of the drivers was released, the remaining two were remanded in custody for five days, with authorities citing public safety concerns as the reason for their detention.
Taxi drivers had parked their vehicles at the intersection of Nirolhumagu in Hulhumale' at approximately 9:00 PM, disrupting traffic. Police intervened promptly, towing around 20 vehicles, including those parked near the Villa petrol shed, to restore normal traffic flow.
The incident has sparked debate over the balance between the right to protest and maintaining public safety. The Ministry of Transport has yet to issue a statement addressing the concerns of taxi drivers, while Fayyaz continues to call for a resolution that respects the rights of all parties involved.
The government's taxi line initiative remains a contentious issue, with drivers arguing it impacts their earnings and operational freedom.
Speaking on the matter, Fayyaz emphasized the constitutional right to protest. "Striking as a form of protest is a fundamental right. We call for the immediate release of all taxi drivers arrested during the strike and the return of the towed vehicles to their rightful owners," he said.
The protest, which took place last night, resulted in the arrest of three taxi drivers who had blocked the Hulhumale'-Malé highway. While one of the drivers was released, the remaining two were remanded in custody for five days, with authorities citing public safety concerns as the reason for their detention.
Taxi drivers had parked their vehicles at the intersection of Nirolhumagu in Hulhumale' at approximately 9:00 PM, disrupting traffic. Police intervened promptly, towing around 20 vehicles, including those parked near the Villa petrol shed, to restore normal traffic flow.
The incident has sparked debate over the balance between the right to protest and maintaining public safety. The Ministry of Transport has yet to issue a statement addressing the concerns of taxi drivers, while Fayyaz continues to call for a resolution that respects the rights of all parties involved.
The government's taxi line initiative remains a contentious issue, with drivers arguing it impacts their earnings and operational freedom.
