President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the arrest of former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Abdulla Shahid was executed under a court order regarding grave child abuse allegations, firmly rejecting claims that the detention was politically motivated. Speaking at a press conference at the President’s Office, the President affirmed that his administration has completely eliminated the cycle of political prosecution and retribution, stressing that no individual will ever be arrested or penalized for political purposes under his watch.
Shahid was arrested on Monday in connection with an investigation involving the sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 18, following which the court remanded him in custody for 30 days. Prior to his arrest, Shahid posted on X characterising the impending detention as a targeted political attack. Shahid, who has declared his bid to contest for the MDP presidential ticket for the 2028 election, and his supporters have described the accusations as baseless fabrications, pointing accusations toward rival factions within the MDP as well as the government.
Addressing the public discourse and allegations of weaponising state apparatus, President Muizzu emphasised that the ongoing matter concerns a heinous offence rather than political manoeuvring. "This is a very serious matter involving a minor child. Therefore, whoever the offender may be, no exception or differentiation can be made before the law," the President stated, reiterating that the identity or political prominence of an individual does not exempt them from accountability.
President Muizzu underscored that law enforcement and state institutions must be afforded total autonomy to follow through with due process and statutory procedures without interference. He assured that the government will place no obstacles in the path of the investigation, adding that upholding constitutional provisions and safeguarding human rights remain fundamental principles that will be guaranteed for all citizens.
Reiterating his administration's governance philosophy, the President concluded that while weaponized political action will never be sanctioned, the supremacy of the rule of law must prevail nationwide. Police have not yet released operational details regarding the ongoing probe, while legal proceedings and investigations into the alleged offenses continue under statutory safeguards.