Former Foreign Minister and a key leader of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Abdulla Shahid, is facing some of the most serious allegations of sexual offences, Adhadhu understands.
Adhadhu has learned that Shahid is accused of sexually abusing a minor while in a "position of trust." Police further allege that these acts have been ongoing since early this year.
The minor, whom police allege was victimised by Shahid, has been taken into temporary state care in the presence of a guardian.
Shahid was arrested late Monday night. Beyond confirming that he was taken into custody on allegations of child sexual abuse, police have not released further details regarding the case.
Shortly before being taken into police custody, Shahid denied the allegations against him.
"The stories being circulated to assassinate my character for political purposes are baseless lies. I urge everyone not to spread such unsubstantiated claims," he wrote in a post on X.
Shahid served as Foreign Minister twice, under the administrations of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. He also served as the President of the United Nations General Assembly. Additionally, Shahid served in the People’s Majlis for 23 years, during which time he also held the position of Speaker of Parliament.
Until recently, Shahid held the position of President of the opposition MDP. He resigned from the post after announcing his intention to contest the MDP’s presidential primary.
Shahid joined the MDP in April 2013. Before that, he was a member of the Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party (DRP), founded by Maumoon.
