Fishermen released from Iran prison to reach home soon

Way back in December 2016, this group of 15 who were working in Sharjah had ventured into the sea for fishing. Unknowingly, they had intruded into Iranian waters. They were arrested by the Iranian Navy and were lodged in prison.

Justin Anthony, founder president, International Fishermen Development Trust (INFIDET), which had played a crucial role in the release of fishermen, said that the arrested fishermen were released on Sunday and the fishermen had set sail to Rameswaram. Weather permitting, they would reach Rameswaram in a week or nine days, said Anthony. 

He revealed that similarly, 25 fishermen from Kanniyakumari who were working in Bahrain had ventured accidentally into Iranian waters in March, 2017. They were also arrested and a fine of Rs11 lakhs was imposed, which they had been paid gradually. He was confident that they too would be released soon.

The prison custody for five Rameswaram fishermen who were arrested recently by the Sri Lankan Navy was extended till June 12, on Monday. On May 1, Anthony Nishanth, Santhiya Mishashan, Arockia Ajo, Raja Gunasekaran and Santhiya Abishek, had gone to fish in a motor-fitted country boat from Thangachimadam village. They were arrested by the Lankan Navy for allegedly entering Lankan waters. They were then produced at the Mannar Court where they were remanded till May 15. Initially custody was extended till May 29.