High Court to hear Shahid's appeal against 30-day remand

The High Court has decided to hear an appeal filed by former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid against a Criminal Court order remanding him in custody for 30 days over an allegation of sexual harassment involving a minor.

Shahid, who has held several senior government positions, was arrested last Monday night at his apartment in Rainbow Ocean Front, Hulhumalé.

The Criminal Court ordered his detention for 30 days on Tuesday. Shahid subsequently challenged the remand order at the High Court.

According to the High Court's registry, the appeal has now been registered.

Under the Criminal Procedure Code, the High Court must decide appeals against detention orders of this nature within 14 days of registration, including public holidays.

Shahid denied the allegation in a social media post shortly before his arrest, describing it as a baseless claim being circulated for political purposes to damage his reputation.

The former Foreign Minister served under the previous Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration and remains a member of the party's National Council.

However, he was removed from the WhatsApp group used by National Council members on Sunday.

Shahid has also launched a campaign to contest the MDP's presidential primary.

He 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.

The allegation against Shahid remains under investigation, and no finding of guilt has been made.