Former Maldives Foreign Minister Arrested on Allegations of Sexual Assault of a Minor

Maldivian police announced the arrest of former Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid late yesterday under a court order, following allegations that he sexually assaulted a minor under the age of 18.

The Maldivian newspaper “The Edition” reported that police confirmed Shahid was arrested at 9:59 p.m., noting that he is accused of sexually assaulting a minor, without disclosing further details about the case and affirming that investigations are ongoing.

The newspaper added that, according to reports, the arrest took place at Shahid’s residence in the “Rainbow Ocean Front” area of Hulhumalé, where police initially took him to the Hulhumalé Police Station before transferring him later to the Police Detention Center in Dhoonidoo.

Minutes before his arrest, Shahid posted a message on the “X” platform, stating that the offensive allegations circulating against him were false and calling for restraint in spreading rumors and unsubstantiated news.

Shahid previously served as President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, and has held the positions of Speaker of Parliament and leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party. He is currently campaigning to secure his party’s nomination for the presidential elections scheduled for 2028.

In 2021, Shahid was awarded the Maldives’ highest official honor, the “Distinguished Governance Order of Ezzuddin,” in recognition of his national and international contributions.