The Ministry of Social and Family Development has strongly condemned the public disclosure of a minor's personal details across social media platforms, reiterating that compromising a child’s identity and dignity is strictly prohibited by law. The ministry’s stern warning comes amid reports that sensitive information and content undermining the victim have been circulating online following the arrest of former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid on allegations of child sexual abuse while in a position of trust.
Highlighting the gravity of the issue, the ministry stated that exposing identifying details of minors on media outlets and social networks violates the standards and provisions outlined in the Child Rights Protection Act. Officials strongly urged the public and media platforms to immediately cease sharing content that risks exposing the child, emphasizing that children are entitled to special care and legal protection from families, society, and the state.
Shahid, the former president of the opposition MDP and a declared contender for the party’s presidential primary, was remanded in custody for 30 days pending trial under a court order issued on the 3rd of this month. Prior to his arrest, Shahid vehemently denied the accusations, claiming the allegations were politically fabricated to assassinate his character.
The ministry noted that statutory frameworks strictly criminalize publishing private information regarding child victims of crime, alleged juvenile offenders, or any minor requiring special protection. Legally restricted details include names, residential addresses, educational institutions, or any direct or indirect indicators—such as photographs and videos—that could lead to identifying the child.
Officials warned that exploiting a minor’s personal information or compromising their dignity to sway public opinion or advance any other agenda constitutes a severe violation of child rights. The ministry urged the public and media organizations to uphold their legal and moral responsibilities by acting with utmost discretion when discussing or reporting on sensitive child abuse cases.