Yameen Shahid has denied the sexual assault allegations made against his father, former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.
Expressing concern over his father's arrest in a post on X last night, Yameen wrote about his father's "character, his values and the kind of man he is."
"I know he would never do what he's being accused of, and I stand by him completely," he added.
Yameen further raised questions about "the way this has unfolded" and demanded fairness, due process and every opportunity to defend his father.
Moments before his arrest last night, Shahid denied the allegations in a post on X.
"The stories being circulated to politically assassinate my character are baseless lies. I urge everyone not to spread such unsubstantiated claims," he stated.
Abdulla Shahid, who has previously served as the President of the United Nations General Assembly and the President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), was arrested under a court order on allegations of sexually assaulting a minor.
Police took Shahid into custody after conducting a search of his apartment at the Ocean Front Residence in Hulhumalé. The incident occurred as Shahid was preparing to contest the MDP presidential primary.
Following his arrest, Shahid was first taken to the Hulhumalé Police Station before being transferred to Dhoonidhoo Custodial. He is expected to be produced before a court later today for a remand hearing.
