Call to bring back 25 fishermen

The arrest of 25 fishermen happened on two different days. In the first incident, 21 fishermen ventured out into mid sea from Bahrain on March 8 in four boats and were caught while fishing on March 12. In the second incident, four fishermen who started from Bahrain on March 22, were arrested the next day. 

The families of the fishermen were informed about the arrest only in April. Speaking to DTNext, Justin Anthony, Founder President, International Fishermen Development Trust(INFIDET), claimed that he had managed to establish contacts with the fishermen who had informed him that they were fishing in the high seas and not in Iranian waters. They also informed Anthony about their arrest. 

The arrested fishermen have been kept in Kish Island under strict surveillance by harbour officials. Their passports were seized and on Saturday they were forced to sign a document and they couldn’t understand a word of it as it was in Iranian language. 

Anthony claimed that the fishermen are not being treated well. They had contacted the Indian Embassy officials at Iran, but no help has come for them. Even the boat owners and the sponsors have not offered them any help. On Saturday, the fishermen informed Anthony that they are not being given proper food and water. 

“The Indian government should make arrangements and bring back the 25 fishermen to the country. They must also ensure that the fishermen are treated properly and given adequate food and water,” said Anthony.