Ministry of Fisheries issues statement on imprisonment, trial of 31 Yemeni fishermen by Somali authorities

SANAA, March 31 (YPA) –The Ministry of Fisheries expressed its deep regret over the imprisonment and trial of 31 Yemeni fishermen by the Somali authorities.

The ministry said, in a statement, on Tuesday that it has followed with a great concern the case of imprisoning and prosecuting 31 Yemeni fishermen, confiscating their boats and forcing them to pay fines of more than $700 per fisherman by Somali authorities.

The statement appealed to our brothers in Somalia and in Puntland province to take into account the situation of Yemeni fishermen, who were driven by compelling circumstances beyond their control, that they were directly bombed by coalition aircraft as soon as they entered Yemeni territorial waters for fishing and livelihood.

The statement expressed the hope that the Somali authorities will respond  and  release the fishermen and hand over their boats and exempt them from the fines imposed on them due to the conditions experienced as a result of the continued aggression and blockade.

E.M