The Criminal Court has remanded former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid in custody for 30 days after his arrest on Monday night on allegations of sexual abuse involving a minor.
Police confirmed that Shahid, 64, was arrested at approximately 9:59 pm on 2 November from his residence at the Oceanfront Residence in Hulhumalé under a court warrant. He is being held at the Dhoonidhoo Custodial Facility.
The court ordered the remand citing concerns over public safety and the possibility of witness tampering, according to sources. Shahid has denied the allegations, describing them as baseless and politically motivated attempts to damage his reputation. In a social media post shortly before his arrest, he urged people not to spread unsubstantiated claims.
Shahid previously served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2018 to 2023 under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and as President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly from 2021 to 2022. He is currently seeking the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential nomination ahead of the 2028 election.
Police have not disclosed further details of the investigation. The allegations remain under investigation, and Shahid has not been convicted of any offence.
