Shahid remanded for 30 days over alleged sexual harassment of minor

Former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Abdulla Shahid, who is seeking the party's presidential nomination for the next election, has been remanded in custody for 30 days following his arrest over an allegation of sexually harassing a minor.

Police said Shahid was arrested on Monday night under a court order in connection with an allegation of sexual harassment involving a person under the age of 18.

He was arrested at his apartment in Rainbow Ocean Front, Hulhumalé.

Police said on Tuesday that Shahid had been presented before a court for a decision on his detention, following which the court ordered him to be held in custody for 30 days.

Shortly before his arrest on Monday night, Shahid denied the allegation in a social media post.

He described the accusation as baseless and claimed it was being circulated for political purposes to damage his reputation.

Shahid previously served as Minister of Foreign Affairs under the MDP administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

During that administration, he also served as President of the United Nations General Assembly from 2021 to 2022, presiding over its 76th session. He is the only Maldivian to have held the position.

Shahid also served as Foreign Minister during the final years of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom's administration.

He is currently among the candidates seeking the MDP's presidential ticket for the next presidential election.