Former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, contesting the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) presidential primary, has been arrested on allegations of sexual assault.
Shahid, who previously served as the party’s President, was taken into custody tonight following a search of his apartment at the Ocean Front Residence in Hulhumale'. Journalists at the scene confirmed seeing Shahid being escorted into a police van.
According to the police, Shahid was arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a minor. Shahid has denied the allegations against him.
"The stories being circulated to politically assassinate my character are baseless lies. I urge everyone not to spread such unsubstantiated claims," Shahid stated in a post on X before his arrest.
It is understood that Shahid was arrested under a court order.
