Former United Nations General Assembly President and Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has been arrested under a court order in connection with allegations of repeatedly sexually abusing a minor under the age of 18.
Police confirmed the arrest to local media, stating that Shahid was taken into custody as part of an investigation into allegations involving a minor reportedly under his care.
According to allegations attributed to police, the suspected abuse occurred repeatedly since the beginning of this year.
Shahid, who served as President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly from September 2021 to September 2022, is among the Maldives’ most internationally recognised former diplomats. He also previously served as President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) before resigning from the position.
Shortly before his arrest, Shahid denied the allegations in a post on X, describing them as baseless and politically motivated attempts to assassinate his character. He urged the public not to circulate unsubstantiated accusations.
A significant police presence was reported outside his residence following the arrest.
The allegations remain under investigation, and Shahid has not been convicted of any offence in connection with the case.
Shahid resigned as MDP President on 14 August 2026 to contest the party’s presidential primary ahead of the 2028 election. He had held the party presidency since February 2024.
