Govt won't obstruct legal proceedings against Shahid, says president

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu said on Monday that the government would not interfere with legal proceedings involving former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, who has been arrested on suspicion of sexually harassing a minor.

Shahid, 64, was arrested last Monday in connection with an allegation of sexually harassing a 15-year-old girl while occupying a position of trust.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President's Office on Monday, Muizzu was asked whether he could assure the public that the law would be enforced against Shahid, given concerns that influential individuals are not always held accountable in serious criminal cases.

Responding to the question, the President said Shahid had been arrested under a court order in connection with a serious allegation and rejected suggestions that the arrest was politically motivated.

He said the government would not seek to punish political figures for political reasons and had not done so during its time in office.

"This is not a political matter. This is a serious case involving a young child. Regardless of who the alleged offender is, there cannot be any difference in how the law is applied," Muizzu said.

The President said the legal process must be followed in the case and that the government would not obstruct the authorities in carrying out their responsibilities.

"The government and the state must provide the opportunity for due process to be followed in enforcing the law against a person suspected of committing an offence," he said.

"Due process must be followed. This government will not obstruct any action taken to ensure that due process is followed."

Muizzu added that the rule of law must prevail in the case.

"That is the answer I can give on this matter," he said.

Shahid, who previously served as President of the United Nations General Assembly and Chairman of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), was remanded in custody for 30 days by the Criminal Court last Tuesday.

Shortly before his arrest, Shahid denied the allegations in a post on X, describing them as false claims intended to damage his reputation.

Shahid has also served as Speaker of Parliament and held ministerial positions during the administration of former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.

Before his arrest, he had been campaigning to secure the MDP's presidential nomination for the 2028 presidential election.

The allegations against Shahid remain under investigation. He has not been convicted of any offence in connection with the case.