Former Foreign Minister and United Nations General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid has been remanded in police custody for 30 days following his arrest on suspicion of sexually abusing a minor.
The Criminal Court issued the remand order on Tuesday after the 64-year-old politician was presented before a judge, according to Maldives Police Service.
Shahid was arrested on Monday night under a court warrant in connection with allegations involving a child under the age of 18. Police have confirmed that an investigation is underway but have not disclosed further details about the allegations.
The court’s decision means Shahid will remain in police custody while investigators continue examining the case. The remand order had not been publicly released at the time of reporting.
A 30-day remand is the maximum period ordinarily permitted under a single detention order during the investigative stage, excluding detention ordered pending the conclusion of a trial.
The length of the remand does not constitute a finding of guilt, and Shahid has strongly denied the allegations.
Police arrested Shahid at approximately 9:59 pm on Monday, 2 November, at his apartment in the Rainbow Ocean Front residential complex in Hulhumalé.
He was initially taken to Hulhumalé Police Station before being transferred to the police custodial facility on Dhoonidhoo.
Shortly before his arrest, Shahid published a statement on X rejecting allegations circulating against him and describing them as politically motivated attempts to damage his reputation.
He maintained that the claims were entirely fabricated and urged the public not to circulate unsubstantiated rumours.
Shahid’s son, Yameen Shahid, also issued a public statement defending his father and expressing concern over the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Yameen said his family stood firmly behind Shahid and called for fairness, due process and an opportunity for him to defend himself against the accusations.
The allegations against Shahid remain under investigation, with police yet to announce whether formal criminal charges will be filed.
The 30-day detention order allows investigators to continue their inquiries while Shahid remains in custody.
