The directive follows a recent inspection in which none of the 30 commuter taxis assessed met basic safety and mechanical standards. Some of the vehicles reportedly had torn seats tied together with strings, while parts of their bodies were secured using ropes, raising concerns about their ability to transport passengers safely.

The journalists’ body has also questioned the continued detention of Astezas, arguing that it contravenes the constitutional requirement governing the period within, which an arrested person must be brought before court. In a protest note shared on the UJA platform, the association cited Article 23(4)(b) of the 1995 Constitution, which provides for the 48-hour limit.