Uproar over removal of Muharraq fishermen's cabins
Manama : Removal of 35 fishermen’s cabins from a harbour in Muharraq has irked fishermen and human rights activists. Describing the act of authorities as “dreadful,” Muharraq fishermen’s union and Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society (BHRWS) are campaigning against the decision.
They demanded that the Muharraq Municipality should replace the razed cabins. According to Zuhair AlMurtabi of Muharraq fishermen’s union, they had not been given any valid reason for taking such a decision.
“Fishing plays a major role in the history of Muharraq so it should not be taken lightly. People here eke out a living by fishing. These people are already suffering and finding it hard to pay the bills. Even by working part time in other companies, they are still unable to pay the expenses,” he said.
“In 2013, we faced a similar issue, but after raising the issue with the government, it was solved. But now the municipality has come back and is doing the same thing. The cabins are extremely important for the fishermen. There we keep all our tools, equipment and even the pearl. So it’s important for us,” AlMurtabi elaborated.
Meanwhile, BHRWS General Secretary Faisal Fulad said: “If this continues, BHRWS will take this matter to International Labour organisation (ILO). We may also take this matter to Human Rights Council.”
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