Shahid appeals 30-day remand order in child sexual harassment case

Former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Chairperson Abdulla Shahid has appealed to the High Court against a court order remanding him in custody for 30 days in connection with an allegation of sexual harassment involving a minor.

Shahid, who is seeking the MDP's presidential nomination for the next presidential election, was arrested on Monday evening at his apartment in Rainbow Oceanfront, Hulhumalé, under a court order.

The allegation concerns the sexual harassment of a person under the age of 18.

Following his arrest, Shahid was presented before a court for a remand hearing, where he was ordered to remain in custody for 30 days.

The appeal against the remand order was submitted to the High Court on Tuesday. The court has yet to decide whether to accept the appeal for consideration.

The remand order has not been published on the court's website, while police have not disclosed further details of the investigation. The specific circumstances surrounding the allegation therefore remain unclear.

Shortly before his arrest, Shahid denied the allegations in a post on social media.

Shahid, who previously served as Minister of Foreign Affairs and held other senior government positions, claimed that the allegations were false and were being circulated for political purposes to damage his reputation.

He maintained that the claims had no factual basis.

Shahid is among the politicians seeking the MDP's presidential ticket for the next presidential election.

The allegations against him remain under investigation and have not been proven in court.