The court has ordered a five-day remand for two of the three taxi drivers arrested during last night’s protest in Hulhumale. Police identified the arrested individuals as 39-year-old Mohamed Shaamin, 33-year-old Ahmed Shabeen, and 36-year-old Noomaan Ahmed. While Shaamin and Shabeen remain in custody, the court released Noomaan under specific conditions.

The protest, led by the arrested drivers, was organized against the government’s plan to establish a state-owned taxi service. Taxi drivers argue that this initiative will adversely impact their livelihoods. During the demonstration, 22 taxis were parked on the main road leading to the Airport Highway, causing significant traffic congestion. Police towed the vehicles and cleared the area to restore traffic flow.

The main opposition party, MDP, is providing legal counsel to the drivers. In a press conference, lawyer Ahmed Aik Eesa stated that they have appealed the remand decision to the High Court. He claimed that the police lack sufficient evidence to justify keeping the drivers in custody for five days.

Despite the arrests, taxi drivers have vowed to continue their protests until their demands are met. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the government and taxi operators over proposed transportation reforms.