Former Foreign Minister and ex-Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Abdulla Shahid, 64, has been arrested under a court order on allegations of sexually abusing a minor under the age of 18. Police confirmed that the arrest took place in Hulhumale at approximately 21:59 tonight.
The arrest unfolded shortly after local media began reporting that police officers had entered his residence. As the news broke, Shahid immediately took to the social media platform X to vehemently deny the accusations leveled against him.
"The politically motivated stories being spread to assassinate my character are baseless lies," Shahid stated in his post. He also appealed to the public, requesting everyone to refrain from spreading such unproven and damaging allegations.
Despite his public denial, police proceeded to take Shahid into custody approximately 30 minutes after his social media post was published. This high-profile arrest comes at a critical political juncture, as Shahid had recently announced his decision to compete in the upcoming MDP presidential primary.
These serious allegations arrive against the backdrop of a highly prominent political and diplomatic career. Shahid has been a key figure in the Maldives, possessing over 40 years of extensive public service in foreign policy, legislative governance, and international leadership.