Former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing a minor under the age of 18.
Police confirmed that Shahid, 64, was arrested at approximately 9:59 pm on 2 November under a court warrant. He is being investigated over allegations of sexual abuse involving a person under 18.
Shahid, who previously served as President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly and as Speaker of the People’s Majlis, is currently the President of the Maldivian Democratic Party and is actively seeking the party’s nomination for the 2028 presidential election.
Shortly before his arrest, Shahid posted on X denying the allegations. He described the claims as baseless and urged the public not to spread unsubstantiated accusations.
Police said the case remains under investigation. Shahid was reportedly arrested from his residence in Hulhumalé and later transferred to a police custody centre.
The arrest has drawn significant political attention given Shahid’s prominence in the opposition and his international profile. No further details of the allegations have been released by police.
Shahid has not been convicted of any offence in connection with the case.
