Kendhoo MP Mauroof Zakir has been remanded in custody for five days following his arrest from the fishermen's protest.

Fishermen began protesting on boats in the lagoon of Male' on national Fishermen's Days celebrated on December 10 every year.

Police arrested Mauroof, two Maldivian fishers and four expatriate fishers from the boats before using excessive force to stop their protest.

Adhadhu understands that remand was extended for Mauroof and the two Maldivian fishermen.

Meanwhile, the Parliamentary Privileges Committee has decided to investigate Mauroof's arrest and the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) parliamentary group has filed a complaint with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) alleging that his detention was arbitrary.

Article 12 of the Parliamentary Privileges and Powers Act states that police must obtain a court warrant to arrest an MP unless he is caught in the act of committing a crime. In case of an arrest, the Speaker must be notified in writing.

Police said they were arrested for obstructing police duty.

The fishermen's protest was organized by the Bodu Kanneli Masveringe Union (BKMU) of yellow fin tuna fishers. Forty nine boats took part in the protest.